Emmanuel Macron delivered a speech at the University of Sorbonne on April 25, outlining his vision for Europe ahead of the upcoming European elections. Some of his close allies criticized the decision to return to this venue, suggesting it was a conservative choice and that a different location could better represent the President’s fight for the European industry. Macron is facing political challenges as public finances in France have worsened, and his party, Renaissance, is at risk of being overtaken by other parties in the upcoming elections.
Some critics believe that Macron’s return to the Sorbonne, where he gave a successful speech in 2017, may not have the same impact this time around. The political landscape has changed, with Macron no longer having a majority in the National Assembly as he did in 2017. However, Macron’s team defends the decision, pointing to the success of his previous speech at the Sorbonne and the implementation of many of his proposals. They believe that what Macron says at the Sorbonne has a chance of becoming reality.
Paris has played a significant role in shaping the European agenda in recent years, with Macron’s influence being acknowledged by both supporters and opponents. From the European post-Covid-19 recovery plan to joint vaccine procurement, digital regulation, nuclear energy rehabilitation, and industrial policy, the EU has taken unprecedented initiatives since 2019 that align with Macron’s vision of a sovereign Europe. Even critics like François-Xavier Bellamy of the Republicans party admit that Macron has made an impact on the agenda he set for himself.
As the European elections approach, Macron is facing pressure to revitalize the campaign of Valérie Hayer, the leader of the Renew Europe group and candidate for the European Parliament. The upcoming elections are seen as politically risky, with polls indicating that Renaissance could fall behind the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) and potentially be overtaken by the Socialist party. Macron’s speech at the Sorbonne is seen as an attempt to rally support for his party and reaffirm his commitment to a sovereign and united Europe.
Macron’s vision for Europe, delivered at the Sorbonne, emphasizes the need for a strong and sovereign Europe that can address current challenges and assert its influence on the global stage. His previous speech in 2017 had a significant impact on the EU agenda, leading to various initiatives and reforms that align with his vision. As Macron faces political challenges at home and in the upcoming elections, his return to the Sorbonne represents an opportunity to once again outline his vision for Europe and rally support for his party and its candidates.
