Emmanuel Macron attended a commemoration ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Le Havre on September 12, 2024. Macron declared that he was entering a “new era” and would no longer be the “hyperpresident” who tried to do everything himself. Following the loss of his majority in the recent legislative elections, Macron has reportedly accepted his defeat and vowed to take a more ceremonial role, allowing his new Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, more freedom to govern. He envisions himself as a president who presides rather than governs, taking inspiration from the German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who is seen as an arbiter and guardian of the institutions.
The shift in Macron’s approach has been described as a transformation into a more detached and dignified head of state, reminiscent of other European leaders like Steinmeier. Macron has started to adopt a more ceremonial role, attending events like the opening of a new factory in Rhône, inaugurating it alone and without the presence of any ministers. He has also refrained from making political comments in public appearances, choosing to focus on commemorating historical events like the liberation of Le Havre. Macron’s advisors have touted this new positioning as a way for him to embody the enduring values of France, projecting an image of stability and continuity in leadership.
However, Macron’s self-proclaimed transformation has left both his critics and supporters perplexed. Many question whether he truly intends to follow through on his promises to take a step back and allow others to govern. Throughout his presidency, Macron has claimed to undergo various changes in his leadership style, promising to be less solitary in decision-making and more open to dialogue with the Parliament. Critics argue that Macron’s declarations of change have not always been matched by actions, raising doubts about his ability to truly transform his approach to governance.
The evolution of Macron’s leadership style has been marked by various moments of self-reflection and adaptation. Following the “yellow vest” protests in 2019, Macron announced an “Act II” of his presidency, emphasizing a return to a more traditional interpretation of the presidency with a focus on ceremonial duties. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Macron emphasized the need for reinvention and adaptation, acknowledging the need for change in response to crises. Despite these pronouncements, some remain skeptical of Macron’s ability to fully embrace a more detached and ceremonial role as president, as he has previously made similar promises without significant follow-through.
As Macron navigates this new phase of his presidency, characterized by a shift towards a more ceremonial role, the French political landscape remains uncertain. With a changing political climate and ongoing challenges both domestically and internationally, Macron’s ability to adapt and lead effectively will be put to the test. Whether he can successfully transition from being an “hyperpresident” to a more traditional head of state remains to be seen, but his recent actions and declarations indicate a willingness to try a new approach in governing France.
