Emmanuel Macron, upon his return from New Caledonia on May 24th, received a new election campaign flyer for the European elections on June 9th from his team. The flyer prominently features Gabriel Attal alongside the head of the presidential camp, Valérie Hayer, in front of a forest of European flags. While Macron remained unexpressive, the exclusion of his own image from the flyer suggests that the President may be feeling a sense of bitterness. Activists on the ground have been much more enthusiastic about the new flyers, which have been selling well and re-energizing tired militants who faced hostility while distributing material with Macron’s face on it.
In the previous European election in 2019, Emmanuel Macron’s image and words helped mobilize pro-European voters. However, this time around, Macron’s constant presence has not been able to stop the declining poll numbers for his camp. His speeches and interviews have not had the desired impact on public opinion. Raphaël Llorca, an expert in politics, suggests that Macron’s symbolic capital has been exhausted, and the transfer of popularity to unknown candidates no longer works. Macron himself has expressed frustration and urgency during a speech in Germany, calling for action against the rise of the far-right in Europe, but his warnings seem to fall on deaf ears.
Experts note that while Macron can still rally parts of his electorate, he also risks fueling a vote of discontent against his government. The loyalty and support that once seemed unwavering are now wavering as voters grow weary of those in power. Macron’s attempts to regain momentum through speeches and media appearances have not produced the desired results, indicating a shift in public perception towards the President. The brand of Macron, once seen as a miracle solution, is now viewed as worn out, with the transfer of popularity no longer effective in boosting support for his allies in the European elections.
The European elections have presented a challenge for Macron and his camp, with the once-strong support base showing signs of strain. The visibility of the President, which was once a driving force in mobilizing voters, now seems to have lost its impact. Macron’s efforts to address concerns and rally support have not yielded the desired results, leading to a sense of disillusionment among both activists on the ground and analysts observing the political landscape. The changing dynamics of power and public perception suggest a need for a new approach in order to navigate the challenges ahead and secure a stronger position for Macron and his allies in the future.
