France takes a historic step toward direct democracy

In the gilded halls of the French National Assembly, something remarkable is happening. For the first time in decades, France is seriously debating whether to hand significant political power directly to its citizens. The catalyst? A constitutional reform proposal that could fundamentally reshape French democracy.

From yellow vests to legislative action

The story begins in the roundabouts and town squares of France during the winter of 2018-2019. The Gilets Jaunes (Yellow Vests) movement erupted across the country, initially protesting fuel taxes but quickly evolving into a broader cry for democratic reform. Protesters didn't just demand economic justice, they demanded political power.

In response, the French government organised the Grand Débat National (Great National Debate), collecting citizen input through traditional Cahiers de Doléances, "Books of Grievances," a format dating back to the French Revolution. When researchers analysed these submissions, one demand rose above all others: direct democracy. Citizens wanted the power to initiate laws, challenge legislation, and have a real say in constitutional matters - not just vote for representatives every five years. It took more than seven years for a Green Party MP, Marie Pochon, to realise that, while direct democracy was strongly supported by French citizens, this demand was rarely echoed in the French Parliament.

A proposal inspired by Oregon

Fast forward to 2025. MP Marie Pochon has transformed that citizen demand into concrete legislative action. Her constitutional reform proposal, refined by democratic scholars Clara Egger (Board Member of Democracy International, Erasmus University Rotterdam) and Raul Magni Berton (Catholic University of Lille), members of Solution Democratique, draws inspiration from an unlikely source: Oregon, USA.

The proposal introduces three mechanisms:

• Citizen-initiated constitutional amendments – allowing citizens to propose changes to France's fundamental law
• Facultative (suspensive) referendum – giving citizens the power to challenge laws passed by Parliament before they take effect
• Legislative initiative at national and local levels – enabling citizens to propose new laws directly

The proposal includes citizen assemblies, randomly selected groups of everyday people, to deliberate on initiatives before they go to a vote, ensuring informed public debate 

Direct democracy on trial: The February 4th debate

On February 4th, 2026, the proposal faced its first major test in the National Assembly's Law Committee. The debate revealed a stark political divide that goes to the heart of what democracy means in the 21st century.

Conservative opponents rejected the proposal outright, arguing it would "destroy representative democracy" and lead to disastrous decisions. They pointed to California and Switzerland as cautionary tales - claims that run directly counter to extensive academic research showing that direct democracy mechanisms produce sound, stable policy outcomes.

The far-right Rassemblement National took a contradictory position: opposing citizen initiatives on constitutional matters and facultative referendums (which they claimed would undermine parliamentary supremacy), while simultaneously supporting mandatory referendums, including on EU membership questions. 

President Macron's party also rejected the proposal, preferring to maintain the current top-down system.

In contrast, all left-wing parties - the Greens, the Democratic and Republican Left, the Socialist Party and the France Insoumise - voted in favour of the proposal, seen as a remedy for the loss of democratic quality and decrease in institutional trust in France.

The proposal passed the committee, with amendments, but faces an uncertain future.

What happens next?

The proposal is scheduled for debate in the full National Assembly on February 12th during the Greens' niche parlementaire, a special session where opposition parties can set the agenda. However, there's a catch: typically, only two to three proposals make it to the floor during these sessions. The Greens must prioritise this reform high enough on their list, or it may never receive a full vote.

France's debate is part of a global awakening. From Taiwan to Iceland, people everywhere are demanding more than the right to choose their rulers. They want the right to shape the rules themselves.

The arguments against Pochon's proposal aren't new. Every expansion of democracy, from universal to women's suffrage, has faced similar resistance from those invested in the status quo. They always warn of chaos, incompetence, and the dangers of "mob rule."

Yet the evidence tells a different story. Research consistently shows that direct democracy mechanisms produce thoughtful, balanced outcomes. They increase civic engagement, build trust in institutions, and create more resilient, responsive governance.

A call to action

The vote on February 12th is more than a French affair, it's a test case for democracy itself. If France, the birthplace of modern republican ideals, can embrace citizen power, it will send ripples across Europe and beyond.

For those who believe democracy should be more than a spectator sport, now is the time to pay attention. The Yellow Vests asked for a voice. Marie Pochon has given them a proposal. Whether it becomes reality depends on political courage - and citizen mobilisation.

The question is no longer whether citizens want direct democracy. The question is whether their representatives will give it to them.

The debate continues. Democracy evolves. And in France, history may be about to turn a corner, if enough people demand it.