President Macron pledges to work until his mandate ends in 2027 amid political turmoil and low ratings, as France faces a pivotal election year.
PARIS: President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to serve until the “last second” of his final term, despite a year of political deadlock and record-low poll ratings.
In a televised New Year’s Eve address, Macron sought to project stability ahead of a crucial election year. “I will be at work until the very last second, striving each day to live up to the mandate you entrusted to me,” he said.
His second term has been marked by turmoil since he called snap parliamentary polls in 2024, losing his majority and emboldening the far right. The president also pledged to ensure the 2027 presidential election proceeds “as calmly as possible — in particular without any foreign interference.”
Domestically, his government has struggled to pass an austerity budget through a hung parliament. Macron acknowledged the urgent need for a budget, stating “government and parliament will have to come to agreements.”
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu’s administration recently had to adopt emergency legislation to keep the government funded. The political gridlock has drawn criticism from across the spectrum, including from Macron’s former prime minister, Edouard Philippe.
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen has called for Macron to dissolve parliament and resign. Le Pen, who is appealing a graft conviction that bars her from office, said the “tipping point is near” in a separate New Year’s message.
She has indicated her lieutenant, Jordan Bardella, could be the far-right’s 2027 presidential candidate if her legal ban stands. A recent poll suggested Bardella could win a run-off vote against any rival.
Macron outlined domestic priorities for his final full year, including protecting children from social media. His government is drafting a law to ban social media access for under-15s by next September.
A key pension reform to raise the retirement age has also been suspended until 2028, after Macron leaves office. The president framed the coming year as one of necessity, declaring “this year has to be — and will be — a useful year.”
