Politico: Macron 'reinforces' France institutionally and at the leadership level against Le Pen before the 2027 elections
French President Emmanuel Macron is taking steps to strengthen his political influence and prevent the far-right National Rally party from implementing its agenda in the upcoming elections.
French President Emmanuel Macron is actively working to protect his presidency in light of rising far-right sentiments, particularly from Marine Le Pen's National Rally party, which is currently favored in polls ahead of the 2027 presidential elections. To fortify his position, Macron is accelerating key appointments and placing loyalists in high-ranking positions within the government. This strategy aims to secure his influence and counter any potential rollback of his economic reforms from the far-right, which has indicated intentions to retract France's commitments to the EU and NATO.
The urgency of these moves is underscored by recent polling data revealing the National Rally's strong standing among voters, with Le Pen and potential frontrunner Jordan Bardella suggesting they would seek to dismantle Macron's economic policies should they win. Macron's actions reflect his anxiety over the potential implications of far-right governance, particularly in a geopolitical landscape marked by instability due to Russian aggression and the unpredictable nature of American foreign policy.
As Macron's efforts unfold, the political atmosphere in France remains fraught with tension, with the potential for significant shifts in both domestic and foreign policy direction depending on the outcome of the upcoming elections. Analysts caution that if Macron fails to effectively consolidate his power, it could lead to a dramatic shift in France's parliamentary and presidential landscape, affecting the country's role within the EU and its alliances with NATO countries.