Speculation has recently resurfaced that French President Emmanuel Macron might attempt to cancel or delay the 2027 presidential election, following a meeting with representatives from the National Assembly who focus on international affairs. However, legal experts emphasize that Macron does not have the constitutional authority to change the election schedule. The first and second rounds of the 2027 presidential election are set for April 18 and May 2, respectively. The French Constitution limits a president to two consecutive terms, so any attempt to extend Macron’s time in office would need to bypass these rules. Some online users and influencers have suggested that Macron could try to stay in power by provoking a conflict with Russia, which might justify invoking Article 16 of the Constitution. This article would grant the president full authority in times of serious threats to the Republic. The idea was first proposed in 2025 by Ségolène Royal, a former French politician. Supporters of this theory point to Macron's growing involvement in the Ukraine-Russia conflict as a possible signal of such a strategy. A planned public speech by Macron has also been interpreted as a possible step toward this plan. Anne Levade, a professor of public law and constitutionalist at the University of Paris-1 Panthéon Sorbonne, explains that the president cannot unilaterally declare war, as that requires approval from Parliament. She also notes that the Constitution does not allow for the postponement of elections during a war, and the timing of presidential elections is fixed by law every five years. Levade clarifies that the only constitutional provisions for delaying elections are outlined in Article 7, which allows for a delay of up to thirty-five days if a candidate is incapacitated or dies shortly before or during the election period. Other possibilities include a "force majeure" situation, such as a natural disaster, which could justify a postponement, as seen in Mayotte in 2022. A state of siege, outlined in Article 36, could also be declared in the case of an imminent foreign threat or armed insurrection, but it lasts only twelve days and can be extended by Parliament. While supporters of the theory point to Article 16 as a potential way for Macron to extend his power, Levade calls this idea a "fantasy." She highlights the strict conditions for invoking Article 16 and the possibility of the Constitutional Council reviewing its use after thirty days. She argues that using it to cancel or indefinitely delay an election would be ineffective and could result in a failed attempt to seize power.