Macron's departure after two terms

Emmanuel Macron will leave office on May 2, 2027, after completing two terms as president of France. His presidency has left a complex legacy, influencing the nation's political, social, and environmental directions.

Ecological promises and challenges

Macron once called ecology "the battle of the century" and aimed to make France "a chance for all." However, while greenhouse gas emissions dropped by an average of 3.15% annually between 2017 and 2026, experts say this was largely due to crises like the pandemic and wars, not structural reforms.

Energy and economic struggles

France's reliance on imported fossil fuels has led to energy price surges, especially after the invasion of Ukraine and the conflict involving the United States and Israel. Real wages have declined since 2019, with the French Institute of Economics noting a loss of 1,200 euros per family on average since 2024.

Pesticide policy and health concerns

Macron pledged to lead the fight against endocrine disruptors and pesticides. However, the ban on glyphosate, a probable carcinogen, was lifted in 2019. Pesticide sales have remained stable, despite a decline in the sale of the most dangerous products.

Rise of the far right

Macron's promise to prevent support for far-right parties like the National Rally has not been fulfilled. The party gained significant electoral traction, with Marine Le Pen achieving 41.45% in the 2022 presidential election. Several far-right laws have been passed by the National Assembly.

Repression of social movements

Protests like the Yellow Vests and student movements faced harsh police responses. Institutions like the Defender of Rights and the UN have criticized France for restricting protester rights. Environmental activists have also seen an increase in legal actions against them.

Erosion of democratic trust

Despite promoting a "democratic revolution," Macron and his allies have been accused of bypassing checks and balances. Refusals to appoint a left-wing prime minister and blocking parliamentary debates have led to a sharp decline in public trust in political institutions.

Economic gains and rising inequality

Macron's policies reduced unemployment to a historical low of 7% between 2022 and 2024. However, the poverty rate has increased, with 1.3 million more people living in poverty in 2024 compared to 2017. Inequalities have reached their highest level in three decades.

Tax policies and wealth disparity

Macron's tax reforms, including cutting corporate taxes and abolishing the wealth tax, have not led to the expected economic benefits. French billionaires have doubled their wealth since 2017, while Oxfam reports that 53 billionaires now hold more wealth than 32 million French people combined.

Rising public debt

Public debt has risen dramatically under Macron, reaching 119% of GDP by the second quarter of 2026, up from 98% in 2017. This increase threatens future public investments and economic stability.