The 2017 French Presidential Election: A Clash Between Old and New

The year 2017 marked a pivotal moment in French political history with the holding of the presidential election, an event that saw the emergence of Emmanuel Macron, a relative newcomer to the political scene, as the victor. This triumph was unexpected by many, considering the traditional dominance of established parties like Les Républicains and the Socialist Party. Macron’s victory signified a seismic shift in French politics, driven by a confluence of factors including public disillusionment with traditional politics, economic anxieties, and Macron’s charismatic persona and promise of transformative change.

Macron, then a 39-year-old former investment banker and economy minister under President François Hollande, founded his own centrist political movement, “En Marche!” (On the Move!), in 2016. His platform emphasized liberal economic policies, pro-European stances, and a break from the perceived ideological rigidity of traditional parties. Macron’s message resonated with a significant segment of the French electorate, particularly younger voters who yearned for fresh perspectives and pragmatic solutions to pressing societal issues.

The 2017 election unfolded against a backdrop of economic stagnation and social unrest. Unemployment remained stubbornly high, particularly among youth, while concerns about globalization and immigration fueled anxieties amongst certain sections of the population. These factors contributed to a sense of disillusionment with the traditional political establishment, paving the way for Macron’s outsider candidacy to gain traction.

Macron’s victory over Marine Le Pen of the far-right National Rally (formerly the National Front) in the second round was by a comfortable margin, but it exposed the deep divisions within French society. Le Pen capitalized on anxieties about immigration and globalization, appealing to voters who felt left behind by economic progress and threatened by cultural change.

The election results had profound implications for France and Europe as a whole. Macron’s victory represented a rejection of populism and a reaffirmation of centrist values, offering a potential model for other European countries grappling with similar challenges. His ambitious reform agenda focused on modernizing the French economy, strengthening labor markets, and enhancing the country’s competitiveness in the globalized world.

However, Macron’s presidency has not been without its challenges. He faced significant resistance to his proposed reforms from trade unions and left-wing political groups. The “gilets jaunes” (yellow vests) movement, which erupted in late 2018, highlighted widespread discontent with rising living costs and perceived economic inequality.

The Macron Presidency: Achievements and Challenges

Despite the challenges, Macron has made notable progress on several fronts during his presidency.

• Economic Reforms: He implemented labor market reforms aimed at increasing flexibility and reducing unemployment.

• European Integration: Macron has been a strong advocate for strengthening the European Union, calling for deeper integration and a more robust Eurozone.

• Climate Change: He has made climate change mitigation a key priority of his administration, implementing policies to reduce carbon emissions and promote renewable energy sources.

Looking Ahead: The Legacy of Macron’s Presidency

Emmanuel Macron’s presidency will be remembered as a period of significant political and economic transformation in France. His victory in the 2017 election represented a break from the past, ushering in an era of centrist governance and ambitious reform agenda. While his presidency has faced its share of challenges, his legacy will likely be defined by his efforts to modernize the French economy, strengthen European integration, and address the pressing issue of climate change. The impact of Macron’s policies on French society and the broader European landscape will continue to be debated for years to come.

The 2017 French presidential election remains a crucial event in understanding the contemporary political landscape not only of France but also Europe as a whole. It underlined the growing appeal of centrism amidst a rise in populism and highlighted the complexities faced by democracies grappling with globalization, economic anxieties, and social divisions.