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Who can initiate an optional referendum at the national level?

France

France

Answer
  • Government
  • President
  • Legislative majority
Source

CONSTITUTION OFFRANCE

(Adopted1958; last amended 2008)

http://www.conseil-constitutionnel.fr/conseil-constitutionnel/root/bank_mm/anglais/constiution_anglais_oct2009.pdf

ARTICLE 11 (Optional referendum)

The President of the Republic may, on a recommendationfrom the Government when Parliament is in session, or on a joint motion of thetwo Houses, published in the Journal Officiel, submit to a referendumany Government Bill which deals with the organization of the publicauthorities, or with reforms relating to the economic or social policy of theNation, and to the public services contributing thereto, or which provides forauthorization to ratify a treaty which, although not contrary to theConstitution, would affect the functioning of the institutions.

Wherethe referendum is held on the recommendation of the Government, the lattershall make a statement before each House and the same shall be followed by adebate.

Comment
The Presidentinitiates the referendum, but on a recommendation from the Government or ajoint motion of the two Houses.
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