Macron’s Leadership in Period of Uncertainty
Ukrainian President Zelensky and President Macron at EU Summit in Brussels. (AP Photo/Ludovic Marin)
Since the start of the second Trump administration,French President Emanuel Macron has convened continental European officials on multiple occasions, spoken out against potential security threats and has consistently advocated for Europe. The United States and Europe have begun to clash on numerous fronts. As their alliance threatens to disband, Macron has shown his disposition to help lead the continent.
In late January, a poll by the Journal de Dimanche was released, reporting President Macron’s current popularity in France – reaching a record low for the politician. Serving as the president of France since 2017, his approval ratings have steadily declined in recent months, with a 22% support from respondents in November and a 21% in January as the majority claimed to be ‘greatly dissatisfied’ with their head of state. Additionally, Macron does not have a majority in the French parliament which has led to (and will continue leading to) limitations on his influence. Despite discontent over Macron’s leadership in France, that has not deterred him from trying to lead Europe through a period of uncertainty.
The US and Russia together have a vast collection of nuclear weapons, giving both countries the power to defend themselves and their allies. However, European officials are starting to worry that the US will not be a reliable protector in case of a Russian attack. There are a few European states that are nuclear powers, leaving them with small individual armies to ward off a global power such as Russia. France is one of the few countries in Europe that produces nuclear weapons and new German chancellor Friedrich Merz has suggested the possibility of those nuclear weapons being shared within NATO. In response, President Macron has promised to discuss this idea with European allies in an upcoming conference. Macron recognized the danger that Russia presents the world, with an ever-increasing budget towards their military, and maintains that Russian President Putin will not stop at Ukraine. Additionally, he has outwardly criticized President Trump for their differing stances, especially for the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war.
European officials convened in London on March 2. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
President Macron, along with the UK’s prime minister, Starmer, are attempting to unite Europe under the guise of supporting Ukraine. The ‘Coalition of the Willing’ was proposed in the past week and received support from many Western European countries such as Italy, Germany and more. Starmer and Macron have made plans to increase government spending on defense (an action supported by other leaders, such as Chancellor Merz), sending troops to aid Ukraine and even proposed a 30-day truce between Ukraine and Russia. The idea of a unified European army has been proposed by certain politicians while facing hesitance from others. Though neither Starmer nor Macron have given up on the possibility of receiving American assistance, both politicians have accepted the responsibility of protecting both themselves and Ukraine as the United States has distanced themselves.
President Macron has continually performed worse on approval polls in France in recent months – even reliable demographics have grown dissatisfied with his leadership capabilities. However, as President Trump has clashed with European leaders in the past weeks, Macron has regularly responded to his statements and actions. He summoned legislators together on multiple occasions, attended various meetings, and is currently planning to hold more meetings to create solid plans for Europe. France’s possession of nuclear weapons may prove to be a valuable asset for Europe and has reflected the intent on defending Ukraine. In the following weeks and months, relationships between Europe will become more defined and Macron’s role in international affairs may become increasingly important.