French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou ruled out the idea of holding a referendum on immigration issues, Agence France-Presse reported, quoted by BTA. He explained that the French constitution does not allow it.
French President Emmanuel Macron said in his New Year's speech that he would ask his compatriots to vote on crucial issues, which was interpreted as a desire to organize referendums.
"Immigration cannot be constitutionally subject to a referendum“, Bayrou said. He stressed that the parameters of the referendums are very clearly defined by the institutions and that they can concern the organization of public services, economic and social issues.
The far right wants a referendum on immigration, but Article 11 of the constitution limits the issues that can be the subject of a referendum, excluding migration policy, recalls Agence France-Presse.
Bayrou also said that technology tycoon Elon Musk threatens democracies, Reuters reported.
“Musk poses a threat to democracies. Money should not give the right to control people's minds,“ Bayrou said.
The comment followed Musk's warning that France and Europe as a whole would have to side with Donald Trump and his policies or risk being dominated, crushed and marginalized.