Sigh of relief. This will summarize the mood in Brussels following the victory of French President Emmanuel Macron. The victory finally came in clear figures, writes Rikhard Husu, ‘s Brussels correspondent.
26.4. 10:59 AM • Updated Apr 26 12:51
BRUSSELS The concern that precedes the second round is easy to understand. Marine Le Penin the choice would have led to a complete reversal of French EU policy. Emmanuel Macronin re-election means that the founding country of the EU will continue to be led by a president who will have a positive and constructive attitude towards the European Union for the next five years.
European support shone through in Macron’s election campaign. In a ceremony at his Eiffel Tower, EU and French flags fluttered to Beethoven’s European anthem. Such a strong emphasis on the EU is exceptional on a European scale.
Macron can be expected to invest further in the areas of green transition, common defense policy, industry and the economy. The guiding principle is the idea of the EU’s strategic autonomy, ie the ability to act alone in foreign and security policy when necessary. Russia’s attack on Ukraine has shown why the EU must invest in improving its resilience.
For the second five-year term, Macron is already a moderately experienced principal by European standards. Political continuity can help strengthen France’s position in the EU.
The equation is also affected by the relative weakness of Germany. The war in Ukraine has been toned down by the Chancellor Olaf Scholzin the early heaven under German leadership. Modest arms aid and the crackdown on energy sanctions on Russia have been heavily criticized both in Germany and elsewhere in Europe.
Sanctions affecting energy prices are, of course, also difficult for the French. Weakening purchasing power was one of the main endpoints of the election, and a partial reason for Marine Le Pen’s popularity. It may also be easier for France to take painful decisions when the presidential election is behind us.
However, Macron cannot afford to rest on its laurels. Elections to the French National Assembly, the lower house, will be held in June to define Macron’s room for maneuver as president. Before the June election, Macron must show that he has heard a message from disgruntled French voters.
If the majority of the National Assembly does not support a seated president, there may be a prestige struggle between the president and the prime minister Director of the Robert Schuman Foundation in Brussels Eric Maurice estimates. This can also have implications at European level.
However, the outcome of the parliamentary elections will not affect Macron’s position in the European Council of Heads of State.
– The President will represent France at the European Council, even if his Prime Minister represents another party, Maurice recalls.
The French election was marked by the popularity of the far right and the left. According to Maurice, voters are also looking for alternatives to EU policy. The consensus-seeking in Brussels does not offer enough options to dissatisfied voters.
– It partly explains why people are looking for answers from radical extremist parties.
Macron has every chance to strengthen France and Europe in its upcoming term. However, dissatisfied voters can mess up the president’s plans.
What thoughts does the result of the presidential election evoke in you? Will France’s influence in the EU increase in Macron’s second term? You will be able to discuss the subject until 11 pm on Wednesday, April 27th.