French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech during a traditional epiphany cake ceremony at the Elysee palace in Paris, France, January 11, 2019. (photo: Reuters)

In an open letter published by French media outlets on Monday, Macron said a three-month nationwide debate from now to March 15 will not be an election or a referendum. He promised to use the debate to channel their anger and shape new policy via more participatory democracy.

France’s image is seriously affected by clashes

Demonstrations by people wearing the high-visibility jackets, called yellow vests, ignited since the middle of November last year. They have turned Paris' Arc de Triomphe into a battlefield. The government has made some concession such as to abandon the planned fuel-tax hikes and freeze electricity prices for 2019.

The anti-government rallies were initially born out of anger over fuel tax hike but have since morphed into a broader movement of growing discontent against the President. Protests have spread from Paris to many other cities. Protesters said the government’s high taxes over the years have narrowed people’s incomes and daily expenses. Some said they had to reduce entertainment activities and vacations and even struggle in daily life.

Many consider the government’s concessions a waiting game to ease ténions, not a serious commitment. More people have joined recent protests, which prompt a debate between the government and people to find a common view.

Unprecedented deal

President Macron’s initiative to hold a national debate is seen as a positive move. French people will discuss 33 questions on four themes: taxes, green energy, institutional reform and citizenship. Macron said the result will be made public immediately after the debate.

Observers said the debate is an important step to resolve tax, democratic, environmental, and migration issues. It’s necessary to balance the President’s reform policies and persuade people to end clashes.

Macron told a recent interview that he accepts the fact that current economic policies have affected his prestige, but France will see positive impacts in the next 2 years. If France can resolve the current crisis, voters will have 3 and a half year to verify his strategy. By offering conciliation with the people, the President conveys a message that the government wants to seek solutions to meet their demand, stabilize internal affairs, and reshape France’s role internationally.