A question divides opinion: is this a genuine democratic reform or merely a communications move slammed by critics? French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled a plan to create the National Reestablishment Council (CNR), an entity whose purpose and governance have sparked debate. Critics label the president’s centralizing style as overly authoritative, while supporters describe the CNR as a pragmatic way to foster collaboration across the political spectrum. Macron has long promised a different method of governance, and this initiative appears to be his attempt to translate that pledge into action.
In May, after securing re-election, Macron signaled that the aims of the CNR would be outlined. The council would draw its authority from its composition, bringing together political parties, trade unions, employer organizations, and associations. Its mission is to discuss potential policy measures to respond to successive crises such as COVID-19, the energy squeeze, and the climate emergency. The council will comprise roughly 40 representatives and focus on five core issues: full employment, education, health, ecological transition, and ensuring a dignified life for the elderly.
Online consultations and potential referendums
“I want to place citizens at the heart of the great decisions of the nation,” Macron told reporters ahead of the council’s first gathering in Marcoussis, located in the southern edge of the Île-de-France region. He announced plans to begin online consultations this week, aiming to involve ordinary citizens in the national decision-making process.
“I want discussions that are open on the ground and online. All of this deserves transparency,” he said. He did not rule out the possibility that the council’s decisions could lead to a referendum. If the process proves fruitful, a referendum could be held as part of the national debate. He also confirmed plans for a citizen agreement on topics such as euthanasia and end-of-life care in the coming months.
During his first term, Macron proposed a referendum to enshrine climate action in the Constitution, a move that stalled amid opposition from the Senate, where conservative forces held sway. He has also advocated moves to give France’s presidential leadership greater horizontal reach, a response to criticisms seen during the yellow vest protests and the broader crisis of representation. Critics have described these efforts as a provisional dialogue rather than a fundamental shift in governance. Some have labeled it a public-facing exercise that falls short of genuine constitutional reform and democratic modernization. [citation: political commentary, 2024]
Parliamentary bypass or new channel for participation?
The CNR’s launch coincided with notable opposition disengagement. Several major opposition parties boycotted the opening session, and participation tended to favor Macron-aligned formations. Some prominent labor unions, including the CGT, Force Ouvrière, and Solidaires, did not attend. A “civil society forum” has been included as part of a broader notion of “representative democracy” in existing structures such as the Parliament and the Economic, Social and Environmental Council, drawing critique from critics who argue that the assembly’s head, Sénateur Gérard Larcher of the Republican right, did not participate. Detractors claim Macron is creating a bypass around the National Assembly, which lost its absolute majority in the June elections, raising questions about the legitimacy and balance of influence in the process. [citation: analysis from observers, 2024]
“Fifty-two representatives of political forces, unions, and public officials were invited, with forty in attendance. The remaining twelve were absent in what critics framed as a missed opportunity,” Macron countered. He maintained a cautious optimism, suggesting that the effort could still rehabilitate his image as a leader who governs with a broader base rather than from a single perch. The outcome is still up in the air, and the path ahead remains a test of the presidency’s willingness to share decisions and broaden participation. [citation: official remarks, 2024]