Facing defeat in the coming elections, Macron’s desperate move shows how the Right is gaining support and taking over.
Recent developments in French politics have shown a notable decline in public support for President Emmanuel Macron, following his unexpected decision to dissolve the National Assembly and announce legislative elections for late June and early July. This move has been widely interpreted as an attempt to reset his political agenda, but it seems to have backfired, stirring discontent and criticism among voters.
BREAKING: Voters in France are reporting that current President Emmanuel Macron’s political coalition is buying votes for the upcoming election. Citizens are getting ads to vote for Macron’s party for a €100 “bonus”
“French X users have discovered an unusual advertisement of… pic.twitter.com/usgismRa53
— George (@BehizyTweets) June 28, 2024
Critiques have labeled Macron as self-centered and out of touch with the populace. This sentiment was reinforced by a disappointing performance of his party, Renaissance, in the recent European elections, where it secured only 14.6% of the votes. This was significantly lower than the far-right parties, which collectively garnered nearly 40%, with the National Rally alone obtaining 31%.
Further evidence of Macron’s waning popularity is visible in various polls, which show his approval rating dipping to between 26% and 28%. Such a decrease is not uncommon in French presidential politics; historical trends show that initial post-election popularity typically gives way to disillusionment. Even Charles de Gaulle and François Hollande experienced similar drops during their presidencies. Comparatively, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s approval rating has also declined, hovering around 27%.
BREAKING: Marine Le Pen could become the Prime Minister of France next month after Emmanuel Macron called a snap legislative election.
The tide is turning against Globalism in France! 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/xruVsssIux
— Cillian (@CilComLFC) June 9, 2024
Among those who initially supported Macron in the 2022 presidential elections, dissatisfaction is particularly acute, with an 11-point drop in support. Many see his decision to dissolve the assembly as a betrayal, adding a personal sting to their political disappointment.
The criticism of Macron extends beyond mere political disagreement; it encompasses personal characteristics that many find aggravating. His background as an investment banker and his method of pushing through reforms without adequate consultation have contributed to a perception of him as aloof and authoritarian. This image has impacted his party’s campaign strategies, with candidates choosing not to display his image on their posters.
Macron’s insistence on framing the upcoming elections as a choice between stability and chaos has also been controversial, further fueling resentment among the electorate. Despite this domestic turmoil, Macron remains a popular figure on the European stage, ranked as the second-most favored leader in a recent poll of EU countries.
The stakes of the upcoming legislative elections are high, with Macron’s maneuver viewed as both a risky political gamble and a potential threat to European stability should it inadvertently pave the way for a far-right government in France. This scenario has sparked both concern and criticism internationally, with some commentators suggesting that the French electorate’s aversion to change is paradoxical given their choice of a reformist president.
Major Points
- President Emmanuel Macron’s popularity has declined following his decision to dissolve the National Assembly and call for snap legislative elections in France.
- Macron’s party, Renaissance, performed poorly in recent European elections, securing only 14.6% of votes, significantly trailing far-right parties.
- Voter dissatisfaction is evident, with Macron’s approval ratings dropping to between 26% and 28%.
- Criticisms of Macron highlight his perceived narcissism and disconnect from the public, exacerbated by his background as an investment banker and his authoritarian approach to governance.
- Despite domestic challenges, Macron remains a favored leader among Europeans, ranked second in popularity in a recent EU-wide poll.
Charles William III – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News