Issues in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level

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 referendum anyGovernment Bill which deals with the organization of the public authorities, orwith reforms relating to the economic or social policy of the Nation, and tothe public services contributing thereto, or which provides for authorizationto ratify a treaty which, although not contrary to the Constitution, wouldaffect the functioning of the institutions.

Where the referendum is held on therecommendation of the Government, the latter shall make a statement before eachHouse and the same shall be followed by a debate.

International treaties may be subject to a referendum if a treaty'affect[s] the functioning of [public] institutions.'

Civil Service: 'any Government Bill which deals with the organization of the publicauthorities…and to the public services contributing” to economic or socialreforms may be subject to a referendum.