Gabriel Attal recently marked his hundredth day as Prime Minister with an intense communication campaign, calling for a nationwide mobilization against rising youth violence. He acknowledged the challenges faced by his government, tasked with revitalizing Emmanuel Macron’s second term amid tensions over pension and immigration reforms. Despite his initial popularity, the administration’s policies are often misunderstood, putting the majority at risk in the upcoming European elections.
Several factors contribute to the government’s struggles, including agricultural protests leading to environmental policy reversals, a sudden increase in public deficits casting doubt on economic credibility, and internal tensions. Attal’s previous approach of quick responses to identified problems, tested in the education ministry, is less effective in the Prime Minister’s office where the unexpected is constant. The risk of a no-confidence motion looms, leading to Parliament being bypassed on budgetary issues, increasing opposition hostility and isolating the government.
Rather than seeking balance, Attal has opted to emphasize the theme of order, adopting a Sarkozy-style discourse on cultivating authority and denouncing excuses. Seeking to appeal to a fearful silent majority and counter the National Rally’s influence, he risks alienating left-leaning Macron supporters. While addressing minor issues, he acknowledges the challenge of convincing the public and hopes the European elections focus on European issues to shift attention from domestic problems to relieve pressure on himself.
Attal’s attempt to focus on order and authority reflects a recognition of the difficulties in connecting with the French population, with the campaign for the European elections likely to be challenging. By passing the European issue to Macron, Attal acknowledges his limitations in purely domestic debates. While striving to address citizen concerns, he faces an uphill battle in maintaining support and navigating the complex political landscape as he tries to steer the government through turbulent times.
In conclusion, Gabriel Attal’s hundred-day milestone as Prime Minister is overshadowed by ongoing challenges, with his administration struggling to communicate its policies effectively amid internal and external pressures. Despite attempts to focus on law and order themes and address citizen concerns, the government’s support remains fragile as it faces opposition hostility and a lack of wider political consensus. The upcoming European elections pose a significant test for Attal and Macron as they navigate the complex political landscape in the face of growing discontent and criticism.
