The 2017 French Presidential Election: A Clash Between Populism and Establishment Politics; Examining the Rise of Emmanuel Macron

France, a nation steeped in history and renowned for its intellectual prowess, faced a pivotal moment in its political landscape in 2017. The presidential election that year was anything but ordinary; it pitted a young, charismatic outsider against the established political order, exposing deep fissures within French society and raising questions about the future direction of the country.

The campaign unfolded against a backdrop of growing social and economic discontent. France had been grappling with sluggish economic growth, high unemployment rates, particularly among youth, and a sense that the traditional political parties were out of touch with the concerns of ordinary citizens. This fertile ground for dissatisfaction paved the way for the rise of populist movements, both on the left and right, challenging the status quo and promising radical change.

Emmanuel Macron, a former investment banker who had served as Minister of Economy under President François Hollande, emerged as a surprising frontrunner. He positioned himself as a centrist alternative to the traditional left-right divide, advocating for pro-business reforms, liberalization of the labor market, and a strong European Union. His campaign was characterized by its youthful energy, slick online presence, and promises of “renewal” and a “break with the past.”

Macron’s opponent in the second round was Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally (formerly the National Front). Le Pen tapped into anxieties about immigration, globalization, and terrorism, promising to restore France’s national sovereignty and protect its traditional values. Her campaign resonated with a segment of the electorate disillusioned with the existing political establishment and fearful of cultural change.

The 2017 election was marked by a fierce debate between these two contrasting visions for France: Macron’s pro-European, globalist outlook versus Le Pen’s nationalist, protectionist stance. It also highlighted the growing polarization within French society, with deep divisions emerging along ideological, social, and economic lines.

The Outcome and its Implications:

On May 7, 2017, Emmanuel Macron emerged victorious, securing a decisive victory over Marine Le Pen. His win was hailed as a triumph for centrist politics and a rejection of the far-right’s populist appeal. However, it also underlined the deep divisions within French society that needed to be addressed.

Macron’s presidency has been characterized by both significant reforms and ongoing challenges. He implemented ambitious economic policies aimed at stimulating growth and modernizing the labor market, but these measures have faced resistance from unions and sections of the population concerned about job security and social protection.

He also took a strong stance on European integration, advocating for closer cooperation among EU member states and a more robust response to global challenges. This approach has earned him both praise and criticism, with some praising his vision for a stronger Europe while others accusing him of being too ambitious and out of touch with the concerns of ordinary citizens.

The 2017 election also had broader implications for French politics:

• The decline of traditional parties: The Socialist Party and Les Républicains, which had dominated French politics for decades, suffered significant setbacks in the election. This reflected a growing disillusionment with established political structures and a desire for new leadership and ideas.
• Rise of populism: Although Macron defeated Le Pen, her strong showing demonstrated the continued appeal of populist rhetoric and the anxieties that fuel it.
• The importance of social media: The 2017 election saw an unprecedented use of social media in campaigning, with both Macron and Le Pen using online platforms to reach voters directly and mobilize support.

The 2017 French Presidential Election remains a pivotal event in recent French history. It marked a turning point in the country’s political landscape, reflecting broader societal trends and raising crucial questions about France’s future direction.