“For the 2027 French presidential election, voters will choose not just a head of state, but a fundamental method for governing the country, according to political analyses.”
Marine Le Pen has positioned the referendum as her primary policy instrument, proposing public consultations on budget rules, the right of soil, and public-space veils. In contrast, Édouard Philippe has outlined an opposing strategy centered on enacting roughly twenty governmental ordinances by September 2027 to achieve immediate legislative effect.
The Mechanics of Referendums Versus Ordinances
While the referendum presents an appeal of returning legislative power directly to the electorate, critics argue that using it as a routine governing tool creates an alibi for vague political platforms.
Conversely, ordinances offer a swift mechanism historically utilized by Charles de Gaulle in 1958. Under this framework, the government adopts measures in the Council of Ministers following Conseil d’État review and parliamentary authorization, bypassing standard legislative delays.
Transparency and the Risks of Public Rejection
Advocates note that ordinances require candidates to declare their legislative schedules and exact terms clearly during the campaign phase. This transparency contrasts with the ambiguities surrounding referendum proposals, such as debates over public veiling restrictions where legal hurdles and internal disagreements complicate implementation.
Furthermore, rejecting a referendum via a public “no” vote leaves few alternative policy pathways, complicating governance.
Addressing Political Inefficiency and Legislative Speed
Proponents of the ordinance strategy argue that it directly targets the sluggish pace of traditional lawmaking, where months can pass before a policy takes effect.
By deploying ordinances early in a presidential mandate, administrations can streamline the legislative drafting process and shift parliamentary focus toward evaluating public policies and measurable outcomes.
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