From our special correspondent at the Elysée Palace (Paris 8th)
The 250 journalists present this Tuesday evening at the Elysée village hall for Emmanuel Macron’s press conference looked two years younger. Even if it means relaunching a second term that he had great difficulty getting started, the President of the Republic has decided to make a keynote speech for the electoral campaign for his re-election. By returning to certain fundamentals of macronism, such as a second act of the 2016 law which bears his name, or a new reform of labor law, always in the direction of simplifications for businesses.
But Emmanuel Macron above all declined his theme of “rearmament”, which he had started during his wishes of December 31. With a whole bunch of more symbolic measures and markers that could be brought together under the theme of a fairly clearly conservative “rearmament”. Pèle mingles: the school uniform test which will be generalized if it is conclusive; a pro-natalist policy via a new birth leave and a major plan against infertility; the continuation of the policy of prohibition against drugs; more police presence on the streets; compulsory learning of “La Marseillaise” at school; the generalization of universal national service and graduation ceremonies.
“Symbols” and “rites”
Emmanuel Macron wants “symbols”, “rites”, this is according to him that France will not only be a society but a Nation: “France will be stronger if we are more united, if we succeed to share values, a common culture, a sense of respect. » However, the President of the Republic absolutely denies any anachronistic or even old-fashioned policy, such as 20 minutes had the opportunity to ask him during the Q&A session. Emmanuel Macron wants rules, authority, but that must be a day of progress. It was then that he recalled the law on assisted reproduction for all, in terms of the results, and the upcoming inclusion of abortion in the constitution, in terms of the projects.
Because for the President of the Republic the line since 2017 has not changed. “We suffered crises. But the line is clear: release energies, protect the French, unite the French. » In short, the “at the same time” remains relevant. Will the Macronists find their way there? In terms of energy, the desire to break certain codes, it is possible. And frankly, it’s been a long time since they’ve seen this energy. In this, he has also undoubtedly – well, some would say – regained control over his second term. But basically, the drift to the right was still recorded at the start of 2024 by Emmanuel Macron, with his new government and this keynote speech.