France's President Macron will unveil a two-year strategy, potentially involving referendums, as the country moves forward.

Emmanuel Macron is set to face the music in an upcoming TF1 special, as he prepares to answer tough questions about his tenure from union leaders and citizens. The president will be surrounded by screens and civil society figures, both on set and via video.

After sweeping into power in 2017, promising revolutionary changes for France, Macron has faced a steep decline in political clout. Last summer's snap legislative elections backfired, with the Renaissance Party suffering heavy losses, leaving the far-right RN as the largest party in the National Assembly.

Attempts to reclaim authority through the appointment of Michel Barnier as prime minister in September 2021 and François Bayrou to replace him, failed, with French lawmakers voting to oust Barnier's administration in December.

Macron could potentially announce a referendum on pressing issues like assisted dying, screen use for young people, the budget, or immigration. However, his political opponents voice skepticism over the value of the TV session, citing concerns about his willingness to consult and the possibility of using the 49.3 rule to bypass votes on bills in parliament.

Marine Le Pen, RN chief, dismissed the initiative, while Clémence Guetté, vice-president of the hard-left France Unbowed, questioned Macron's commitment to citizen participation. "If he's really interested in participation, he could be interested in the participation of the representatives of the people," she said.

Politically, Macron finds himself besieged by challenges, from domestic security and immigration concerns to the pursuit of European strategic autonomy. Balancing populist demand with strategic goals, Macron has to tread carefully to maintain stability both at home and abroad.

Some of the key challenges facing Macron:

Navigating domestic dissatisfaction with his policies
Managing European strategic autonomy efforts, which face skepticism from some partners
Addressing the far-right's rise and balancing short-term political gains with long-term strategic goals

Potential referendums could help resolve contentious issues like assisted dying, digital health concerns, and budgetary matters. However, the question remains whether such initiatives will resonate with the French populace and contribute to Macron's political renaissance.

Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right National Rally (RN), has dismissed a TV session initiated by President Emmanuel Macron as a mere tactic, expressing doubt about its value for citizen participation.
With the RN being the largest party in the National Assembly after Macron's Renaissance Party suffered heavy losses in the 2021 legislative elections, the President could potentially announce a referendum on various pressing issues such as immigration or budgetary matters.
Balancing the demands of populism with strategic goals, President Macron faces challenges in maintaining stability both at home in France and abroad in the realm of international policy and legislation, particularly in managing European strategic autonomy efforts.
Clémence Guetté, vice-president of the hard-left France Unbowed, has questioned Macron's commitment to citizen participation, suggesting that he could make more substantial attempts, like involving the representatives of the people, for increased public engagement and support.

France's President Macron will unveil a two-year strategy, potentially involving referendums, as the country moves forward.