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Emmanuel Macron | Putiton-E - The paid encyclopedia

Introduction

Emmanuel Macron

Emmanuel Macron

Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron (French: [emanɥɛl makʁɔ̃]; born 21 December 1977) is a prominent French politician who has been serving as the 25th President of France since 2017. Prior to his presidency, Macron held key positions including Minister of Economics, Industry, and Digital Affairs under President François Hollande from 2014 to 2016, and Deputy Secretary-General to the President from 2012 to 2014. He is also ex officio one of the Co-Princes of Andorra and the founder of Renaissance, a political movement established in 2016.

Born in Amiens, Macron pursued his academic interests in philosophy at Paris Nanterre University and later completed a master's degree in public affairs at Sciences Po. He furthered his education at the École nationale d'administration, graduating in 2004. Macron's career began in the public sector as a senior civil servant at the Inspectorate General of Finances, followed by a tenure as an investment banker at Rothschild & Co.

Macron's political trajectory gained momentum when he was appointed Élysée deputy secretary-general by President François Hollande shortly after Hollande's election in 2012. As Minister of Economics, Industry, and Digital Affairs starting in August 2014, under Prime Minister Manuel Valls, Macron championed several business-friendly reforms. He resigned from this position in August 2016 to launch his presidential campaign for the 2017 election.

Running under the banner of En Marche, a centrist and pro-European political movement he founded, Macron's campaign gained traction amid the Fillon scandal, propelling him to the top of the first round of voting. He subsequently won the presidency on 7 May 2017, securing 66.1% of the vote in the second round against Marine Le Pen of the National Front. At the age of 39, Macron became the youngest president in French history.

In the legislative elections of June 2017, his party was renamed La République En Marche! (LREM) and achieved a majority in the National Assembly. Macron's popularity continued into the 2022 presidential election, where he was reelected, making him the first French president to win reelection since Jacques Chirac in 2002. However, his centrist coalition lost its majority in the subsequent 2022 legislative elections, resulting in France's first minority government since 1993.

As of January 2024, Macron has faced significant challenges, including a major government crisis that led to the appointment of Gabriel Attal as Prime Minister, replacing Élisabeth Borne. Macron's decision to dissolve the National Assembly and call for a snap legislative election in mid-2024 followed a decisive defeat for his party in the European Parliament elections.

Emmanuel Macron's presidency has been marked by his proactive approach to economic and social reforms, his commitment to European integration, and navigating France through complex political landscapes both domestically and internationally.

Early Life and Education

Emmanuel Macron was born into a middle-class family in Amiens, a city in northern France. His father, Jean-Michel Macron, was a neurology professor, and his mother, Françoise Noguès, was a physician. Macron showed early academic promise and attended the Lycée La Providence in Amiens before transferring to Lycée Henri-IV in Paris for his final years of secondary education.

After graduating from high school, Macron studied Philosophy at Paris Nanterre University, where he obtained a master's degree. He then pursued further education at Sciences Po, one of France's leading universities for social sciences, and later attended the École nationale d'administration (ENA), graduating in 2004. His time at ENA, where he specialized in public finances and administration, marked his entry into the French civil service.

Career Trajectory

Emmanuel Macron's career trajectory is characterized by a blend of civil service, private sector experience, and rapid political ascent:

After graduating from ENA, Macron joined the Inspectorate General of Finances (IGF), a prestigious branch of the French Ministry of Economy and Finance. He served as an Inspector of Finances, gaining insights into economic policy and administration. His next move was to Rothschild & Cie Banque, where he became an investment banker, specializing in mergers and acquisitions.

In 2012, Macron entered the political arena by joining François Hollande's administration as Deputy Secretary-General of the Élysée, where he played a key role in economic and financial matters. His pragmatic approach and advocacy for liberal economic reforms drew attention, positioning him as a reformist figure within the Socialist government.

In 2014, Macron was appointed Minister of Economy, Industry, and Digital Affairs in Manuel Valls' government. As minister, he pursued ambitious economic reforms known as the "Macron Law," aimed at liberalizing the French economy, reducing bureaucracy, and promoting business competitiveness. His policies, including measures to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship, garnered support from both the business community and moderate voters.

In 2016, Macron launched his own political movement, En Marche! (later La République En Marche!), positioning it as a centrist, pro-European alternative to traditional parties. His campaign for the 2017 French presidential election emphasized progressive values, European integration, and social liberalism. Macron's victory in the election marked a significant shift in French politics, as he became the youngest president in French history at the age of 39.

Legacy and Future

Emmanuel Macron's presidency has been marked by bold reforms and significant challenges:

His early presidency focused on economic reforms aimed at boosting growth, reducing unemployment, and revitalizing France's economy. Macron implemented labor market reforms, tax cuts for businesses, and efforts to attract foreign investment. He also pursued measures to modernize France's social welfare system and education sector.

Internationally, Macron has been a prominent advocate for European integration and multilateralism. He has played a key role in shaping EU policies on issues such as climate change, digital regulation, and defense cooperation. Macron's diplomatic efforts have positioned France as a leading voice in global affairs, particularly in addressing geopolitical challenges and promoting European sovereignty.

However, Macron's presidency has not been without controversy. His reforms have faced resistance from trade unions and segments of the French population, leading to protests such as the "Yellow Vest" movement, which criticized his economic policies and perceived elitism. Macron's handling of social unrest and his communication style have also been scrutinized, impacting his popularity at home.

Looking ahead, Macron faces the challenge of maintaining momentum for his reform agenda while addressing public discontent and navigating France's post-pandemic recovery. His ability to build consensus, both domestically and within the EU, will be crucial in shaping his legacy and determining his political future. Macron's ambitions for a second presidential term in the 2022 elections will likely hinge on his ability to address these challenges and articulate a compelling vision for France's future.

References

  1. "Dans un livre, Anne Fulda raconte Macron côté intime" (in French). JDD à la Une. 21 April 2017. Archived from the original on 19 May 2017. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  2. Boucher, Laurent (26 April 2017). "Sur les traces de l'arrière-grand-père d'Emmanuel Macron entre Amiens et Arras". La Voix. Archived from the original on 2 July 2018. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  3. "Le Big Mac: Emmanuel Macron's rise and rise" Archived 27 October 2020 at the Wayback Machine.
  4. Flandrin, Antoine (16 September 2017). "L'histoire de France selon Macron". Le Monde. Archived from the original on 5 August 2020. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  5. Sacrées mémés de Bagnères-de-Bigorre !". ladepeche.fr (in French). Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  6. "Emmanuel Macron en meeting à Pau devant 5 500 personnes". SudOuest.fr. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.