The 2017 French Presidential Election: A Seismic Shift in French Politics and Society

The 2017 French presidential election stands as a pivotal moment in recent French history, a political earthquake that reverberated far beyond its borders. It was an election defined by upheaval, uncertainty, and a yearning for change amongst the French electorate. This thirst for something new led to the unexpected rise of Emmanuel Macron, a relatively unknown figure on the national stage, who ultimately triumphed over Marine Le Pen of the far-right National Rally party.

Macron’s victory was unprecedented in many ways. At 39 years old, he became the youngest president in French history. He had never held elected office before, and his political movement, “En Marche!” (On the Move!), was only founded in 2016. Macron’s success can be attributed to several factors:

• A Rejection of Traditional Politics:

France was weary of established political parties, which were seen as out of touch with the concerns of ordinary citizens. Macron presented himself as a fresh face, an outsider who could bridge the divide between left and right.

• Economic Anxiety: Years of sluggish economic growth and high unemployment had fueled a sense of insecurity amongst many French voters. Macron promised pro-business reforms and a more dynamic economy, appealing to those seeking solutions to their economic woes.

• The Le Pen Factor:

While Macron benefitted from the desire for change, Marine Le Pen’s candidacy also played a significant role in his victory. Her far-right agenda, characterized by nationalist rhetoric, anti-immigration policies, and Euroscepticism, alienated many voters who saw her as a threat to France’s democratic values.

The election results sent shockwaves through the political landscape. Macron’s centrist platform, which combined liberal social policies with pro-market economic reforms, represented a significant departure from traditional French politics.

His victory signaled a shift away from the entrenched left-right divide that had characterized French politics for decades. It also underscored the growing discontent amongst voters with the status quo and their willingness to embrace change, even if it meant supporting a relatively untested candidate.

The aftermath of Macron’s election was marked by both progress and challenges.

Here are some key developments:

• Economic Reforms:

Macron implemented a series of economic reforms aimed at making France more competitive and boosting growth. These included labor market liberalization, tax cuts for businesses, and measures to streamline the bureaucracy. While these reforms were praised by some for their pro-growth potential, they also faced criticism from unions and left-wing groups who argued that they favored the wealthy and could lead to job losses.

• Social Issues: Macron’s government legalized same-sex marriage and adoption, a landmark achievement for LGBTQ+ rights in France. He also introduced measures to promote gender equality and combat discrimination. However, his handling of social issues such as pension reform proved controversial, leading to large-scale protests and strikes.

• European Union: Macron positioned himself as a strong defender of the European Union and advocated for deeper integration amongst member states. His pro-EU stance contrasted sharply with Marine Le Pen’s Euroscepticism and resonated with many French voters who saw the EU as a guarantor of peace and prosperity.

The Gilets Jaunes (Yellow Vests) Movement: A Catalyst for Social Unrest

While Macron initially enjoyed high approval ratings, his popularity declined significantly in late 2018 with the emergence of the “Gilets Jaunes” (Yellow Vests) movement. This grassroots protest movement, named after the reflective vests worn by protesters, arose in response to a fuel tax increase but quickly broadened into a wider expression of discontent against social and economic inequality, perceived government elitism, and a lack of opportunity for ordinary citizens.

The Gilets Jaunes demonstrations were characterized by their decentralized nature and widespread participation. Protests erupted across France, often blocking roads, roundabouts, and major highways. While largely peaceful in the beginning, some demonstrations turned violent, with clashes between protesters and police resulting in injuries and property damage. The movement exposed deep-seated societal tensions and highlighted Macron’s struggles to connect with a segment of the population who felt left behind by his economic reforms.

The Gilets Jaunes protests forced Macron to reconsider his approach. He announced a series of concessions aimed at addressing the concerns of protesters, including:

• Suspending the fuel tax increase: This was a key demand of the movement and acknowledged the impact of rising fuel prices on low-income households.

• Introducing measures to boost purchasing power: Macron proposed tax cuts for low and middle-income earners and increased social benefits.

• Launching a national debate: Macron initiated a series of public consultations aimed at giving citizens a voice in shaping government policy.

The Gilets Jaunes movement had a profound impact on French politics. It revealed the fragility of social cohesion and the potential for widespread unrest if economic inequalities are not addressed. It also served as a reminder that even popular leaders can face significant challenges when governing a diverse and complex society.

Looking Ahead: The Legacy of Macron’s Presidency

Emmanuel Macron’s presidency has been marked by both triumphs and tribulations. His election represented a bold break from the past, ushering in an era of centrist politics and ambitious reforms. However, he also faced significant challenges, including social unrest and accusations of being out of touch with the concerns of ordinary people.

Macron’s legacy will likely be debated for years to come. He transformed France politically but his economic reforms remain a subject of debate. The Gilets Jaunes movement exposed the limits of technocratic solutions and highlighted the importance of listening to and addressing the grievances of marginalized communities.

Table Summarizing Key Aspects of Macron’s Presidency:

While Macron’s presidency may have ended in 2022 (he was reelected for a second term but stepped down after serving it), the consequences of his time in office continue to shape France. The country is still grappling with the challenges he highlighted and the reforms he initiated.

As France moves forward into a new political era, the lessons learned from Macron’s presidency will undoubtedly inform future leaders as they strive to navigate a complex and ever-changing world.