Several sources told AFP that French President Emmanuel Macron told his administration on Wednesday that he was considering resorting to referenda to approve laws and break the parliament's deadlocked parliament.

In July, the President defied calls for a new administration, keeping Elisabeth Borne in her position.

Months of unrest over his pension reform, as well as days of rioting in French cities earlier this month over the death of a teenager at the hands of police, have fueled rumors of a possible cabinet change by opposition parties, as well as government officials.

According to anonymous sources, the President told cabinet ministers that he would meet with opposition members next week and contemplate referenda.

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The French President divulged to cabinet members he would hold discussions with opposition groups in order to "draft legislation but also referendums," the sources detailed.
 
Macron previously stated in early August that he was planning a "major political initiative" after the summer holidays, seeking to relaunch his second term. 

The administration has succeeded in crafting several new legislation with the backing of opposition parties, but Macron's showpiece pension reform earlier this year had to be rushed through using emergency executive powers, angering many people.

Rumors of looming referenda have lingered previously throughout Macron's six years in office, most notably during the so-called "Yellow Vest" anti-government protests in 2018-2019, when the centrist intended to cut the number of national parliamentarians.
 
The President of France's fifth republic, which started in 1958, has the authority to hold referenda, although this ability has been exercised just nine times since then. It was last used in 2005 for a referendum on a new European constitution, which the administration of then-President Jacques Chirac lost.

What is the 5th #French Republic, and how did it shape the current state of the #European country?#France pic.twitter.com/N44RnsRJFa

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) April 6, 2022

In June, opposition parties gave Macron the cold shoulder after he called for "compromises" to keep France governable following an indecisive parliamentary election.

Macron addressed France at the time after failing to get a parliamentary majority, which constituted a major setback that stood in his way of carrying out his planned reforms.