French President Emmanuel Macron (Photo: VNA)

In a long letter to the French people, President Macron pledged to listen to new ideas but stuck to his core economic reform agenda. He said the debate is not a vote or referendum and will run until mid-March. The public’s ideas will help restructure government activities and reposition France in Europe and the world, Macron said, adding that all results will be made public.

The framework for the debate consists of 33 questions focused on tax and public spending, public services, environmental transition, democracy, and citizen rights.