French President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled a wide range of measures aimed at revitalizing his second term in office, which has been plagued by unpopularity and contentious reforms. In an extensive news conference, Macron focused on addressing the everyday concerns of voters, such as schools and the cost of living. He expressed his desire to move past last year's controversial pension and immigration reforms, emphasizing the need for unity in the face of global challenges. Macron stated, "I'm convinced that we have all the assets we need to succeed. France will be stronger in this world of upheaval if we are more united."
Macron's popularity has greatly suffered due to public discontent over rising living costs and the effects of his previous reforms. This discontent has also impacted his party's standings in the upcoming European Parliament elections, where they trail far behind the far right. In response, Macron announced plans for tax cuts targeting the middle class and pledged to ensure that electricity prices remain significantly lower than those in neighboring countries, although he did not provide specific details. He acknowledged the existence of a "blind spot" in France, where many citizens earn too much to receive aid but not enough to live comfortably. Macron stated his determination to address this issue.
Last week, Macron appointed Gabriel Attal, a popular and media-savvy rising star in French politics, as France's youngest ever prime minister. This move further signified Macron's commitment to moving forward and implementing new initiatives. Macron outlined several measures concerning children, including the regulation of their screen time. While he did not elaborate on the specifics, he mentioned plans to test school uniforms in approximately 100 institutions and increase the availability of civic instruction and drama classes for junior high school students.
Macron also addressed parental leave, expressing the intention to make it shorter but better paid. Additionally, he pledged to reform the healthcare system to ensure better access to doctors, a significant concern among many French citizens. However, he provided limited details on how these reforms would be achieved, stating that the government will reveal more information in due course.
Despite facing constraints due to the lack of an absolute majority in parliament, Macron emphasized his commitment to launching more liberal economic reforms to stimulate growth. He stressed the need for France to "produce more" and "innovate more," stating that the country would be stronger if it regained its financial independence.
In the coming days, the government is expected to provide further information and specifics regarding the measures outlined by Macron. The president's efforts to address vital issues such as the cost of living, education, and healthcare reflect his determination to regain public support and steer France toward a prosperous future.