Thousands protest in France as Emmanuel Macron takes climate plan to Senate
- ‘I’m not here to save the planet and three turtles,’ said one activist at the Bordeaux march. ‘I’m here to save humanity.’
- President Macron promised a referendum on the climate change bill if it gained approval in both houses of parliament
Tens of thousands of people marched in France on Sunday calling for more ambitious climate action, as President Emmanuel Macron’s promise to enshrine the fight in the French constitution appeared on the verge of failure.
The initiative to state in the constitution that France “guarantees environmental protection and biological diversity, and combats climate change” originated in a citizen’s body set up by Macron last year.
Seeking the upper hand in what could be a key issue in next year’s election, the president promised a referendum on the bill if it gained approval in both houses of parliament.
The National Assembly, where Macron has a majority, overwhelmingly voted in favour of the revision in March.
But on Monday the bill goes to the Senate, where the right-wing Republicans hold sway.