Referendums, dissolution timing, decrees for 'swift action': Édouard Philippe's plan for his first days in the Élysée

In a move that signals a bold political strategy, Édouard Philippe, the candidate for Horizons and a potential contender for the Élysée, has detailed a plan to "act quickly" should he win the 2027 presidential election. Le Figaro reports that Philippe intends to dissolve the National Assembly and seek a new, broad majority encompassing the right and center. Crucially, he plans to put key policy initiatives directly to the French people through referendums. Among these are a pension system overhaul and the constitutional enshrining of a "golden rule" for the budget. This approach, which includes the possibility of governing by decree for specific measures, is designed to break with perceived "public powerlessness" and ensure swift action. The timing is ambitious, with Philippe envisioning these referendums potentially coinciding with snap legislative elections in June, though he allows for flexibility. From a French perspective, this strategy taps into a historical precedent of direct democracy via referendums, a tool often employed to bypass parliamentary gridlock or to legitimize significant policy shifts. Philippe's plan, as presented in Le Figaro, reflects a desire to consolidate power and implement his agenda decisively, appealing to voters who may be frustrated with the pace of political change. The emphasis on "acting fast" and seeking a "new, open majority" suggests an attempt to position himself as a strong leader capable of decisive governance, a narrative that resonates in French political discourse. The article, however, is behind a paywall, indicating its exclusive nature for subscribers, a common practice for in-depth political analysis in French publications like Le Figaro.