Emmanuel Macron live on TF1: the referendum as a solution to move forward on the debate on assisted dying in the face of the deadlock in Parliament
On May 13, 2025, Emmanuel Macron addressed a series of crucial issues live on TF1, including the ongoing debate on assisted dying and the possibility of a referendum in the face of the parliamentary deadlock. Questioned on major challenges, the president emphasized the need to consult the French people on fundamental reforms affecting their daily lives and well-being. This exchange, which lasted nearly three hours, provided the head of state with an opportunity to clarify his vision of the challenges facing France while defending his record since taking office.
A recurring debate: assisted dying under scrutiny
The issue of assisted dying is not new to the French political landscape. For several years, the country has been engaged in an intense debate that raises fundamental ethical, moral, and societal questions. Faced with a Parliament often at odds on this sensitive issue, Emmanuel Macron raised the possibility of a referendum to break the deadlock. “If this situation becomes bogged down, we should consider giving the French people a voice,” he stated, specifying that this consultation must be “handled with care.” This declaration highlights not only the desire for participatory democracy but also the urgent need to advance legislation that could address critical humanitarian situations.
In the current context, several bills concerning assisted dying are under consideration. Among them, a law on palliative care, considered more consensual, is on the table, while a second, more divisive proposal could allow for active assistance in dying. The fact that the president is mentioning a referendum in the event of parliamentary gridlock underscores the importance of ending a situation that seems to have been stuck for far too long.
The current legislative framework and its challenges
- To date, French legislation on assisted dying remains incomplete. While the country has previously adopted laws on end-of-life care, such as the Claeys-Leonetti Law, which allows for deep and continuous sedation, these laws do not fully meet the expectations of citizens, who often demand greater freedom in choosing how they die. Over 80% of French people support the idea of active assistance in dying, but political resistance is slowing the legislative process. Here are the main issues underlying this debate:
- 💼 Ethics
- : The question of medical intervention in life and death raises significant moral dilemmas. 🧑⚕️
- Health : Healthcare professionals, bound by their own code of ethics, are questioning the implications of these laws.
| 👥 | Society | : Citizens’ expectations are evolving, and social pressure is increasing as public debate intensifies. |
|---|---|---|
| 📊 | Politics | |
| : The divide between different political tendencies makes it difficult to adopt clear and coherent legislation. | Bill |
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Sensitivity
Progress
Palliative Care
Under Review
Assisted Dying
Divisive
Proposed but Pending
- National Consultation: A Way to Overcome the Stalemate The very concept of a referendum is particularly relevant in the context of a France seeking to revitalize itself through popular consultations. Emmanuel Macron, while mentioning a possible referendum on assisted dying, expressed his desire to “engage the French people” on key issues, particularly economic and social reforms. This participatory questioning should not only target assisted dying, but also other major issues and challenges of French politics. On TF1, the president emphasized that decisions concerning end-of-life care must come directly from citizens, particularly given the wide range of opinions on the subject. If a referendum were to be held, it would reflect the popular will in the face of parliamentary gridlock. This framework would allow for a broad discussion on end-of-life care, a topic that deeply affects every citizen.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpK1qMpScuw Reflections on a 2025 Referendum
- A referendum, while a democratic instrument in itself, requires careful consideration of how the questions are formulated. Emmanuel Macron will need to ensure that the proposed topics are clearly defined, understandable, and, above all, that they reflect the expectations of citizens. Faced with a constantly evolving debate, the issue of assisted dying could then become a true indicator of the values of French society. The president indicated that the government is constantly working to develop reforms that respond to citizens’ aspirations. A referendum could therefore also refine the dialogue between political institutions and civil society. Citizens would be invited to fully engage in future reforms and share their opinions on issues that directly affect them.
- The impacts of a referendum could be multiple:
| 🗳️ | Education: It would pave the way for intergenerational discussions on fundamental values. | |
|---|---|---|
| 🔍 | Transparency: Strengthening trust in institutions through active citizen participation. | |
| 🌍 | Evolution: An invitation to update French policy so that it better reflects the aspirations of the population. |
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💬
Dialogue: Broadening the scope of discussion around health policy, beyond mere party politics.
Impact of a Referendum
- Advantages Risks Education
- Open-mindedness on ethical issues Possibility of divided opinions Transparency
| Strengthening democratic trust | Lack of information before voting | Diverging positions on end-of-life issues |
|---|---|---|
| The debate surrounding assisted dying stirs strong emotions and reveals the diversity of opinions within French society. The protagonists, whether for or against, put forward compelling arguments that deserve to be heard. Among the personalities present on the TF1 panel, emblematic figures in the end-of-life debate, such as Charles Biétry, expressed the need to discuss these topics openly and without taboo. Diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), Biétry shared his personal experience, highlighting the urgent need for legislation on the subject. | To move forward, it is essential to understand the different viewpoints involved. Here is a summary of the main arguments: | |
| 🟢 For assisted dying: | Right to self-determination, relief from unbearable suffering, respect for individual choices regarding life and death. |
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Against assisted dying:
Risks of abuse, ethical issues surrounding the medicalization of death, societal pressure on vulnerable individuals.
- Position Arguments
- Examples For assisted dying Relief from suffering
- Cases of incurable illnesses Against assisted dying Risks of ethical abuse
| Past incidents of mistreatment | Virtual consultations as a new challenge for democracy | Emmanuel Macron also highlighted the idea of diversifying methods of public consultation in the future. This strategy could be part of a broader effort to empower citizens beyond simple elections. The rise of digital technology allows us to rethink how public dialogue can take place, and new platforms could emerge to encourage open and democratic discussion on controversial topics such as end-of-life care. |
|---|---|---|
| With digital tools, consultation could become more accessible, allowing French citizens to express their views directly on issues that concern them. This would pave the way for even richer debates, involving not only parliamentarians but also interest groups and ordinary citizens. | New technologies offer a multitude of possibilities for re-engaging the public in the decision-making process: | |
| 📱 Online Platforms: Enabling citizens to submit their opinions directly via applications. | 🔄 Instant Feedback: Analyzing citizens’ sentiments and opinions in real time during legislative preparations. 🌐 |
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