Regardless of how you assess it, Emmanuel Macron certainly came to power in 2017 with a mandate to heal the divides of French society. Today, he’s at another critical turning point as his presidency faces its greatest challenges. Macron’s original platform was one of ‘reconciliation’ between the Ecology-inspired left and moneyed right. He wanted to bring business and organized labor together, left and right, Euro-skeptics and Euro-enthusiasts together. These events have added to an already existing deadlock in French politics. This has led to demands for his resignation and concerns over the viability of the government of France itself.
The overall political landscape in France, like so many other countries, has become much more fragmented. Following the dissolution of the National Assembly in early summer 2024, a new parliament emerged that is split among three major factions: the center, the left, and the far-right. This split makes it that much more difficult for Macron to move a united government and push through reforms needed to fix France. Struggling to stabilize his administration, Macron chose right leaning Sébastien Lecornu as prime minister. On this major departure, Macron and Lecornu have been fairly clear. That common understanding would allow for more efficient decision-making, perhaps even an otherwise uncertain, chaotic environment.
Even amid these progressive moves, the political climate is still very tense. With 18 months left in his second term, Mr. Macron needs to deliver results quickly. Undoubtedly, he laments his predecessors twice-daily rush hour shutdowns of the fine city of Paris. He is convinced that a compromise among various political actors is possible, acknowledging and accepting the freedom of conviction. His recent initiatives have been met with fierce resistance from unions and the left-wing Quebec Solidaire party. They’re now the ones on the offensive, actively pushing back against his destructive policies.
France’s economic situation compounds these political issues. With national debt exceeding €3 trillion—approximately 114% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP)—the government faces mounting pressure to address fiscal concerns. Last month Fitch downgraded French debt ratings, citing the nation’s precarious fiscal position. This comes amidst increased doubt over France’s capacity to fulfill its obligations in a competent manner. Economy Critics argue that the state has mismanaged development on the island. This mismanagement has incited public anger and further inflamed the year-and-a-half-long political crisis.
Nicolas Baverez, a prominent economist and commentator, sounded the alarm on the deteriorating condition of France in this decisive hour. He stated, “At this critical moment, when the very sovereignty and freedom of France and Europe are at stake, France finds itself paralysed by chaos, impotence and debt.” Baverez’s remarks highlight the urgency of Macron’s situation as he navigates these complex challenges.
Another economist, Philippe Dessertine, provided a more hopeful metaphorical expression of France’s solidity. “It is like we are on a dyke. It seems solid enough. Everyone is standing on it, and they keep telling us it’s solid. Underneath the sea is eating away, until one day it all suddenly collapses.” As engaging as this analogy may be, it highlights the precariousness of France’s current standing, both within her political and economic structures.
Public sentiment toward Macron has soured deeply in the wake of these crises. Most citizens see him as the one to blame for the chaos that now besets our country. “Emmanuel Macron is the real target of the people’s defiance, and he bears entire responsibility for this shipwreck,” remarked Baverez. That sentiment among the project’s populous speaks to a larger mood of the overall populace, mirroring a growing disillusionment with political leadership in France.
The backlash that’s led to a general strike against Macron’s government today has deep roots in years of frustrations over public spending. Françoise Fressoz commented on the dependency on state finances, noting, “We have all become totally addicted to public spending.” It has long been a key strategy that both left and right governments have depended upon. To avoid losing their power, they wield it to suppress dissent and discord and retain domestic tranquility.
As political factions continue to clash over their own agendas, the resonance of Macron’s plea for unity is more important than ever. He still believes you have to bring parties together and accommodate everybody, but understand their different perspectives. “An agreement between the political forces is possible while respecting the convictions of each,” he stated during a recent address.
For all of these good intentions, the realities of governance are still a difficult hurdle to cross. The parliament’s divide presents tremendous challenges for doing the right thing on policy. Observers like Philippe Aghion suggest that with Lecornu’s appointment, “it basically means that Macron is prime minister,” indicating that Lecornu’s leadership may still align closely with Macron’s vision rather than charting an independent course.
The widespread sentiment of fatigue and disillusionment is palpable across French society as citizens consider their futures in the shadow of this political malaise. Jerome Fourquet articulated a sense of confusion surrounding current events: “It is like an incomprehensible play being acted out in front of an empty theatre.” His message speaks to a deep and rising public frustration with the federal government and its leaders’ ability to deliver.