Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: The Lebanese Army is continuing its investigations and will later announce any information that does not affect the confidentiality of the investigation
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: It has not yet been determined whether the detainees belong to ISIS or another organization
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Around 10 people of different nationalities, including Lebanese nationals, were detained
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: The Lebanese army arrested a number of people in the Matn area of Mount Lebanon with possession it has not disclosed
Gaza Civil Defense spokesman: We have strong indications that there are martyrs, injuries, and trapped people in the Salah al-Din area
Gaza Civil Defense spokesman: Citizens should avoid Salah al-Din Street because anyone who approaches it is at risk of being directly targeted
Gaza Civil Defense spokesman: Reality is that there is a very limited retreat of the vehicles, with the occupation forces providing cover undeer fire up to Salah al-Din Street
Gaza Civil Defense spokesman: Claims that the Israeli occupation has withdrawn from areas in the neighborhoods of al-Zaytoun, al-Tuffah, and al-Shujaiya are false
Hamas: The two delegations stressed that any negotiations must lead to the achievement of our people's goals and aspirations, foremost among which is ending the war and the complete withdrawal of enemy forces
Hamas: A delegation from the Hamas leadership, led by the head of the leadership council, Mohammad Darwish, met with an Islamic Jihad delegation, headed by its Secretary-General, Ziyad al-Nakhalah

Far-right Le Pen calls on Macron to hold referendum on key issues

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 8 Sep 2024 19:58
4 Min Read

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen demands that President Emmanuel Macron break the existing deadlock by holding a referendum on key issues.

Listen
  • x
  • French far-right leader Marine Le Pen and National Rally president Jordan Bardella answer journalists after a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Monday, August 26, 2024, at the Elysee Palace in Paris (AP)
    French far-right leader Marine Le Pen and National Rally president Jordan Bardella answer journalists after a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Monday, August 26, 2024, at the Elysee Palace in Paris (AP)

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen urged President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday to hold a referendum on critical national issues, including immigration, as France faces political deadlock following the June-July snap elections that did not give any set party a legislative majority.

The political tension intensified last week when Macron appointed 73-year-old Michel Barnier, a former foreign minister and European Union's Brexit negotiator, as the new prime minister. However, Barnier's position is seen as precarious, as his government depends heavily on support from Le Pen's National Rally (RN), the largest party in the National Assembly.

Despite RN's position in parliament, Le Pen has rejected the idea of joining Macron's government. In a speech from the northern town of Henin-Beaumont, she stated, "The RN will unreservedly support any approach aimed at giving people the power to decide directly."

She emphasized the need for a referendum on key issues, suggesting this could be a way to address the current political instability.

Growing opposition

Barnier's appointment has not been without backlash. Over 100,000 left-wing demonstrators took to the streets across France on Saturday, protesting Macron's nomination of Barnier and accusing the president of orchestrating a "power grab."

The left-wing coalition, which now represents the largest bloc in parliament, though lacking an outright majority, has also threatened to challenge Barnier with a no-confidence motion. His appointment was criticized as undemocratic by the left, with the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party leading calls for mass protests.

The coalition had proposed Lucie Castets, a 37-year-old economist, as a potential prime minister. However, Macron dismissed the suggestion, arguing that she would not survive a confidence vote in the hung parliament.

Demonstrations were held in over 130 locations across France, and unions and student bodies signaled further action, including possible strikes set for October 1.

Related News

Legal troubles worsen for Le Pen as French far-right struggles: FT

France announces State of New Caledonia, except with a twist

Le Pen has vowed to closely scrutinize Barnier's actions, warning that any mistreatment of the French people could lead to her party initiating a censure motion against the government. She also predicted that France would face new legislative elections within a year, stating, "France needs a clear majority."

Meanwhile, public sentiment towards Barnier's appointment is divided. According to a recent Ifop poll, 52% of respondents expressed satisfaction with Barnier as prime minister. Despite this, 74% of those surveyed believe his tenure will be short-lived, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding France's political future.

Who is Michel Barnier?

The 73-year-old has a long political career, carrying out senior duties in both France and the European Union.

1978 - Elected to parliament aged 27, representing the centre-right Savoie district.

1993-95 - Appointed as environment minister

1995-97 - Became France's Europe minister

1999-2004 - EU regional policy commissioner, responsible for grants and subsidies accounting for a third of the Union's budget

2004-05 - Became France's foreign minister

2007-09 - Assumed the role of agriculture minister

2010-14 - Became EU commissioner for internal markets and services, leading negotiations concerning extensive new regulation of financial markets following the global crash

2016 - EU's Brexit negotiator after the UK's exit from the bloc, leading talks with its government until 2019

2021 - Failed to obtain nomination as the conservative, right-wing Republicans (LR) party for the 2022 presidential election, which sought to limit and control immigration

  • National Rally
  • France
  • Emmanuel Macron
  • Marine Le Pen
  • Paris

Most Read

Hezbollah SG reveals war details on Al Mayadeen for the first time

Hezbollah SG reveals war details on Al Mayadeen for the first time

  • Politics
  • 8 Jul 2025
Major ambush in Gaza kills 6 Israeli troops, injures dozens

Major ambush in Gaza kills 5 Israeli troops, injures 14

  • Politics
  • 8 Jul 2025
Israeli soldiers are seen in Beit Hanoun ahead of an operation by the al-Qassam Brigades, undated (Al-Qassam Brigades Military Media)

'Israel' on blast as media exposes report discrepancies in Gaza ambush

  • Palestine
  • 8 Jul 2025
Yemen Navy sinks ETERNITY C ship, shares footage of operation

Yemen Navy sinks ETERNITY C ship, shares footage of operation

  • Politics
  • 9 Jul 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
The Freedom Flotilla ship Handala as it departs for Gaza, where it aims to break the maritime blockade at a port in Syracuse, Sicily in southern Italy on July 13, 2025. (AFP)
Palestine

Freedom Flotilla's Handala departs Sicily in bid to break Gaza siege

The container ship CMA CGM Laperouse, left, docks at the Georgia Ports Authority's Port of Savannah, Sept. 29, 2021, in Savannah, Ga (AP)
Politics

US shipbuilding woes deepen as tariffs, outdated policies backfire

Gaza war raises ethical questions for ex-Obama, Biden officials
Politics

Mercenary firm tied to Gaza war crimes hires Obama-Biden PR operatives

'Israel' targets children in Gaza collecting water
Palestine

'Israel' strikes Gaza kids fetching water, blames it on 'malfunction'

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS