Emmanuel Macron is in one of his greatest political trials to date, at the same time that this weekend he will meet Donald Trump, Ulf Kristersson and about fifty other heads of state at the reopening of Notre-Dame.
This week France’s government was ousted – a historic event that hasn’t happened in over 60 years – and the onus to clean up now rests heavily on Macron. A new prime minister must be appointed quickly, something he promised in his televised speech on Thursday night.
The economy further exacerbates the pressure. France’s national debt is breathtaking: 37.1 trillion Swedish kronor, corresponding to 112 percent of GDP. The European Commission has already issued warnings, and investors are whispering about another euro crisis. A new budget must be put in place, but the austerity measures are unlikely to make Macron more popular.
At the same time, demands for his resignation are growing from both the right and the left. According to a new survey, over half of French people want Macron to leave the Élysée Palace.
Going to meet Trump
In the midst of this chaos, Macron will represent France on the international stage – not least in the meeting with Donald Trump, who is making his first trip abroad since he was elected president. The two, who are often described as “best enemies”, have among other things become known for their long and strange handshakes.
The reopening of Notre-Dame is for Macron a chance to appear as a strong leader in front of one of the world’s most iconic places. But the question is how much the internal chaos affects how the other leaders see him. Trump, known for exploiting weaknesses, may well see Macron’s shaky position as an opportunity to pressure him.
– Trump is like a shark; when he smells blood, he attacks to kill, Nicole Bacharan, an expert on Franco-American relations, said recently on French television.
“Going to show the world”
How this drama ends remains to be seen. But despite all the challenges, Macron is trying to hold his head high. In his address to the nation, he concluded by recalling France’s ability to overcome adversity:
– We must show the world that we can do the impossible, just as we restored Notre-Dame.
Long live the Republic, long live France.