So you're researching Emmanuel Macron, France's president? Smart move. Whether you're a student writing a paper, a traveler curious about French politics, or just trying to understand EU dynamics, Macron's presidency is impossible to ignore. I remember chatting with a bakery owner in Paris last spring who shrugged and said, "Love him or hate him, he's changed how France works." That stuck with me.
Let's cut through the noise. This guide focuses purely on practical insights about Macron's presidency – no fluff, no political spin. We'll cover his policies, controversies, daily life as France's leader, and why he matters globally. Ready?
Macron's Journey to the Élysée Palace
Macron's rise still feels like a political thriller. Picture this: In 2016, he was an unknown economy minister. By mid-2017, he was president. How? He gambled big by quitting François Hollande's unpopular government and launching En Marche! – a movement claiming to be "neither left nor right."
What average voters cared about during his campaign:
- Labor laws making hiring/firing easier for businesses
- EU reform plans ("More Europe, but better organized")
- Cutting corporate tax from 33% to 25%
- Anti-terrorism measures after 2015 attacks
His 2017 victory map showed fascinating divides:
| Region | Macron Support | Why It Mattered |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Centers (Paris/Lyon) | 65-80% | Young professionals loved his pro-business stance |
| Rural France | Under 45% | Farmers feared EU competition rules |
| Post-Industrial Towns | As low as 30% | Factory workers distrusted his labor reforms |
When he won again in 2022 against Marine Le Pen, the relief among EU leaders was palpable. I was in Brussels then, and a diplomat friend whispered over beers: "Thank God. Another Le Pen presidency would've shattered Europe."
Macron's Signature Policies: What Actually Changed
Walk around France today and you'll see Macron's policies everywhere:
Economic Reforms
The Loi Travail (Labor Law) sparked huge protests in 2017. Why? It let companies negotiate directly with employees instead of unions. Business owners cheered. Unions blocked highways.
| Policy | Impact | Public Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Wealth Tax Removal | Increased foreign investment by 25% | "President of the Rich" protests |
| Unemployment Reform | Saved €3.4 billion annually | Train strikes lasting months |
| Pension Changes | Raised retirement age to 64 | 2 million protesters nationwide |
Honestly? Some reforms felt necessary but poorly explained. My neighbor Pierre, a retired teacher, grumbles every pension debate: "He talks like an economist, not a leader."
Foreign Policy Moves
Macron pushes for "European strategic autonomy" – basically reducing reliance on the US. Remember when he called NATO "brain dead"? That wasn't just talk. He's pushed for:
- EU defense funds (+€8 billion since 2017)
- European Intervention Initiative (military pact outside NATO)
- Tougher stance on China trade practices
His mediation in Lebanon after the Beirut explosion showed classic Macron diplomacy: swift personal involvement but limited lasting results.
A Day in Macron's Presidential Life
Curious how France's president spends his time? This isn't ceremonial:
Typical Daily Rhythm:
7:00 AM: Security briefing at Élysée Palace
8:30 AM: Policy meeting with PM
10:00 AM: Foreign leader calls (often Putin/Ukraine related lately)
1:00 PM: Lunch with ministers (reportedly quick - he hates long meals)
3:00 PM: Public event or speech
8:00 PM: Intelligence reports review
The security bubble is intense. When Macron visited Marseille last year, my cousin's café was closed for three days. "They scan every sewer cover," he complained. "Overkill."
Presidential Perks... and Headaches
Beyond the palace and private jets, the job has real pressures:
- Salary: €190,000/year (taxed)
- Staff: 800+ at Élysée
- Security: Permanent 40-person GSPR team
- Public Scrutiny: 78% negative media coverage in 2023 (Médiamétrie study)
Major Crises During Macron's Presidency
Every French president faces protests, but Macron's tenure feels especially fiery:
| Crisis | Duration | Macron's Response | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow Vests (2018-2019) | 18 months | Canceled fuel tax hike; launched national debate | Concessions cost €17 billion; trust damaged |
| COVID-19 Pandemic | 2020-2022 | Strict lockdowns; €110 billion economic support | France's death rate 14% below EU average |
| Pension Reform (2023) | 6 months+ | Used constitutional power to bypass vote | Constitutional Council upheld reform; public anger persists |
Did he handle these well? Depends who you ask. The constitutional move on pensions felt sneaky to many. But my doctor friend in Nice argued: "Without pension changes, healthcare collapses by 2030. He took the heat."
Macron vs Other French Presidents
How does this president compare?
| Policy Area | Macron (2017-) | Hollande (2012-2017) | Sarkozy (2007-2012) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economic Growth | Avg 1.7% pre-pandemic | Avg 0.8% | Avg 0.9% |
| Unemployment | Fell from 9.4% to 7.0% | Peaked at 10.4% | Started 7.5%, ended 10.2% |
| Public Debt | 112% of GDP | 98% of GDP | 89% of GDP |
Macron's paradox? Better economic numbers than predecessors but lower approval ratings. Why? Maybe his communication style. Professor Claire Demesmay at Technical University of Dresden notes: "He explains policies like a CEO analyzing shareholders. Many French prefer emotional connection."
Macron's Personal Influence on Policy
This president doesn't just govern – he personalizes everything:
Relationships That Shaped His Presidency
Brigitte Macron isn't your typical first lady. She reviews speeches, attends cabinet meetings (unprecedented), and runs his communication strategy. Critics call it nepotism; supporters say she's his "reality check."
Then there's his bond with Angela Merkel. Their alliance pushed through the €750 billion EU COVID recovery fund. Current German Chancellor Scholz? Not the same chemistry.
Decision-Making Style
Former aides describe a ruthless process:
- Late-night policy debates (often past midnight)
- Direct WhatsApp messages to ministers bypassing hierarchy
- Data-heavy presentations required for all proposals
A former advisor anonymously confessed: "He'll grill you for hours on budget decimals. Exhausting but thorough."
What People Get Wrong About Macron
Let's bust myths:
Myth 1: He's an "aristocrat" disconnected from ordinary French
Reality: Grew up in Amiens (post-industrial city), grandparents were teachers and railway workers
Myth 2: He's destroying French social protections
Reality: Increased defense and research spending while trimming welfare bureaucracy
Myth 3: He's anti-American
Reality: Pushes EU independence but deepened intelligence sharing with US
Still, when Macron hikes train ticket prices while flying private jets to rugby matches... it fuels resentment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Macron
You asked, we answer:
How long can Macron serve as president?
French term limits changed in 2008. Macron can serve two consecutive 5-year terms. His current term ends in 2027. After that? He must wait at least one term before running again.
Does Macron speak English fluently?
Yes, near-native level. He worked at Rothschild Bank in London and often debates in English at summits. Interestingly, he insists on speaking French during EU negotiations "to assert linguistic sovereignty."
Why does Macron push EU integration so hard?
Three reasons: 1) Believes only united Europe can compete with US/China 2) Wants to anchor Germany within EU frameworks 3) Sees it as France's path to global relevance beyond military power.
How does Macron's salary compare to other leaders?
Among Western leaders:
- US President: $400,000
- German Chancellor: €362,000
- UK Prime Minister: £164,000
- Macron: €179,000
Lower than many expect, but includes housing, transport, and staff.
What's Macron's stance on Ukraine?
Complex. He provides weapons (€3.2 billion by 2023) but keeps dialogue with Putin open. His "don't humiliate Russia" comment angered Eastern EU allies. Personally? I think he misjudges Putin's intentions.
Macron's Legacy: What History Might Say
It's early, but trends suggest:
Transformations likely to last:
- Labor market flexibility (employers won't give back concessions)
- EU's shift toward strategic autonomy
- Tech investment culture (French tech funding up 400% since 2017)
Endangered policies:
- Pension reform (next president might reverse it)
- Wealth tax abolition (left-wing rivals pledge restoration)
Whether you find Macron inspiring or arrogant, his presidency shows something profound: Governing France requires balancing revolutionary change with street-level reality. Few manage it gracefully.
Walking through Paris last month, I saw graffiti near Sorbonne: "Macron démission" (Macron resign) next to a startup hub placard: "Merci pour la French Tech." That contradiction defines his era. Love him or loathe him, France's president has made his mark.
Comment