French President Macron returns to national stage with big words but few concrete announcements

In a highly anticipated televised interview with French TV broadcaster TF1 on Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron marked his return to domestic affairs, ten months after dissolving the French lower house of Parliament and plunging the country into political paralysis. 

Since last year’s snap elections led to a fragmented political landscape and no clear majority, Macron had been confined to a diplomatic role, focusing on international affairs.

But with only two years left before the end of his second and last consecutive term, Macron hopes to make a comeback in the national arena and regain control over domestic issues.

But behind his assertive tone defending his eight-year mandate, the three-hour interview, which included debates with politicians and activists, did not yield any concrete announcements.

Ukraine: “Massive sanctions” if Russia does not accept a ceasefire

With speculation mounting around a possible summit in Istanbul involving Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and US President Donald Trump, Macron said he had “no information on the arrival of the Russian president” but reiterated Europe’s objective to: “achieve a thirty-day ceasefire on land, air and sea to discuss the issue of territories and security guarantees.”

If the Kremlin refuses the ceasefire, Macron warned, “Europeans will put in place new sanctions against Russia in the next few days.”

However, Macron insisted that “we do not wish to start a third world war.” 

He also spoke about a potential peacekeeping force that could be stationed in Ukraine if there is a peace deal is struck with Russia and said he was open to negotiating with Putin.

Gaza: Macron condemns Netanyahu but refuses to use the term ‘genocide’

Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Macron adopted a sharply critical tone: “What the government of Benjamin Netanyahu is doing today is unacceptable.”

He added, however, that “it is not up to a President to say ‘this is genocide’, but up to historians” when asked whether Israeli military operations in Gaza could be described as a ‘genocide’.

A French nuclear umbrella to defend Europe?

With several European countries, including Germany and Poland, showing interest in France’s nuclear arsenal, Macron confirmed a new phase of European defence discussions. “I will define the framework in a very official way in the weeks and months to come,” he said.

Macron added that France is “ready to open” a discussion on the deployment of nuclear-armed French aircraft in other European countries, similar to the U.S. model of nuclear deterrence.

However, the French president warned that France “will not pay for the security of others.”

Promises of multiple referendums in the “coming months”

On the national stage, Macron signalled a willingness to consult the public on key reforms.

He declared that he wants to hold a referendum on several issues “at the same time” in the “coming months” on “major economic, educational or social reforms.”

ADVERTISEMENT

However, the French head of state rejected a referendum on immigration issues as well as the controversial pension reform. 

The pension reform bill was forced through parliament without a vote and remains highly unpopular nearly two years after its implementation, which includes a gradual increase in the minimum retirement age. 

On the highly sensitive issue of the legalisation of assisted suicide that is under debate in the National Assembly, Macron said he wanted the law “to be voted on” in Parliament first. 

He said that he does not rule out a nationwide referendum if the legislative process stalls.

ADVERTISEMENT

Macron is open to renting prison cells overseas

Confronted by the far-right mayor of Béziers, Robert Ménard, on matters of security and immigration, Macron endorsed proposals to expand the powers of the municipal police and backed the idea that prisoners should contribute financially to their own incarceration. 

When asked about the construction of the 15,000 prison spaces promised during his 2017 presidential campaign, which have not yet seen the light of day, Macron assured that the Minister of Justice, Gérald Darmanin, would accelerate the construction of the 5,000 prison spaces that are “underway.” 

He also left the door open to “the rental, if necessary,” of foreign prison spaces.