France's Macron Gambles on National Debate to Restore Calm
- Scope of premier’s debate to be unprecedented, organizer says
- Finance Minister Le Maire refuses to backtrack on wealth tax
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After nearly two months of violent protests and billions of euros in tax cuts to try to restore calm across France, Emmanuel Macron’s government is counting on a vast, potentially risky public debate to keep his presidency on track.
Ministers used broadcast appearances Sunday to promote Macron’s plan for three months of discussions in town halls and online about ecology, taxes, citizenship and democracy, and the organization of public services. The debate will be the foundation for new measures and draft laws introduced as early as April.