JDD: Macron to hold referendum on parliament's powers due to 'yellow vest' protests

French President Emmanuel Macron has prepared a referendum on the powers of parliament amid the "yellow vest" protests, the Journal du Dimanche writes, citing sources close to the head of state.

In particular, the referendum plans to include questions about reducing the number of parliamentary mandates and limiting the number of times the same person can be nominated for parliament.

According to the newspaper's sources, ballot papers for the referendum have already been ordered, and they want to time it to coincide with the European Parliament elections on May 26. JDD writes that Macron is also considering other options for getting out of the crisis: making a deal with the "yellow vests" and trade unions, dissolving the lower house of parliament, or reshuffling the government.

Macron is expected to announce a referendum at the end of the national debate, a three-month discussion of issues at public meetings across the country that is due to end on March 23.

European Affairs Minister Nathalie Loiseau said the president had not yet decided on a referendum, but nothing could be ruled out.