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Macron's Marathon TV Appearance: Referendums, Nuclear Weapons, and a Fitness Influencer
French President Emmanuel Macron, in a three-hour televised marathon, laid out his plans for the final two years of his presidency. With his second term ending in 2027, Macron addressed a range of topics, from the war in Ukraine to social media usage amongst teenagers, engaging in a unique dialogue with figures ranging from union leaders to a popular fitness influencer.
A President's Final Act
Macron, who took office in 2017, reiterated France's commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russia's invasion but stressed the importance of preventing a wider conflict. "We must help Ukraine defend itself, but we do not want to unleash a Third World War," he stated. This crucial point highlighted his careful balancing act on the international stage.
- Ukraine's future: Macron emphasized the need for a negotiated settlement to end the war.
- Nuclear weapons: He opened the door to discussions about deploying French nuclear-armed warplanes on European soil, mirroring the US model.
His domestic policy plans were equally bold. Macron announced his intention to hold several referendums on a single day, covering a wide range of issues. This reflects a desire to engage citizens directly on crucial matters.
- Referendum topics: Potential referendums could focus on issues like reducing France's national debt, regulating social media access for young people, and assisted dying.
- Immigration: However, he ruled out a referendum on immigration despite pressure from the right and far-right.
- Religious symbols: Macron also addressed the sensitive issue of religious symbols in sports, stating that their use in competitions should be prohibited, while leaving decisions on non-competitive practices to sports federations.
The eclectic mix of guests on the show underscored the breadth of concerns Macron sought to address. Among those present was Tibo Inshape, a hugely popular fitness influencer, whose presence highlighted the president’s attempt to connect with a younger audience, a demographic that often feels alienated from mainstream politics.
Macron also addressed concerns about the future of ArcelorMittal's steel plants in France, assuring workers that nationalization wasn't on the cards, but promising to work towards saving the plants and the 600 jobs at stake. This demonstrated his commitment to addressing specific local issues.
A Look Ahead
Despite the speculation about a possible return to power in 2032, Macron insisted he hadn't given it any thought, focusing instead on the challenges facing France during his current term.
This marathon television appearance reflects a president attempting to reset his relationship with the French public, tackling major issues head-on, and striving to regain lost ground after facing setbacks in previous legislative elections. The referendums, the open dialogue with diverse groups, and his commitment to addressing concerns about the war in Ukraine all form part of this calculated attempt to re-engage with the French people.
Conclusion
Emmanuel Macron's three-hour television broadcast served as a significant moment in his presidency. His plans for referendums, his pronouncements on foreign policy, and his engagement with a broad spectrum of French society represent a concerted effort to shape the narrative of his remaining time in office and potentially leave a lasting legacy.
