The 2017 French Presidential Election: A Battle for the Soul of France Amidst Rising Populism and Economic Uncertainty

France, the land of romance, fine wine, and existential philosophy, has always been a nation at the forefront of political thought and social change. Yet, in 2017, it faced one of its most pivotal elections in recent history. The specter of populism loomed large, fueled by anxieties over globalization, immigration, and economic stagnation. The traditional left-right divide seemed to crumble, replaced by a fervent desire for something different, something bold.

Enter Emmanuel Macron, a youthful economist with a fresh perspective and an unconventional trajectory. A former investment banker who had served as Economy Minister under President François Hollande, Macron formed his own centrist political movement, “En Marche!” (On the Move!), which sought to transcend partisan divides and appeal to a broader spectrum of French society. His campaign was characterized by dynamism, optimism, and a commitment to modernization and European integration.

Macron’s opponent in the final round was Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally party (formerly the National Front). Le Pen capitalized on widespread discontent with the establishment, promising a return to national sovereignty, stricter immigration controls, and protectionist economic policies. Her rhetoric tapped into fears about terrorism, cultural change, and the erosion of traditional values.

The 2017 election was a stark clash of ideologies, representing a deep schism within French society. Macron’s vision of a progressive, interconnected France contrasted sharply with Le Pen’s nationalist, inward-looking agenda. The outcome held profound implications not just for France but for the entire European Union, as it grappled with the rise of populist movements across the continent.

The campaign was fiercely contested, with both candidates engaging in heated debates and launching aggressive advertising campaigns. Macron emphasized his pro-European stance, pledging to strengthen France’s role within the EU and promote economic reforms to boost growth and competitiveness. Le Pen, meanwhile, focused on her anti-immigration platform and promises to pull France out of the eurozone and renegotiate trade agreements with other countries.

Ultimately, Emmanuel Macron emerged victorious, securing a decisive victory over Marine Le Pen in the second round of voting. He won approximately 66% of the vote, reflecting a broad rejection of Le Pen’s far-right agenda and a desire for continuity and stability after years of political turmoil.

Macron’s triumph was seen as a watershed moment, signifying a pushback against populism and a reaffirmation of France’s commitment to liberal democracy and European integration. It also marked the beginning of a new era in French politics, with Macron seeking to implement ambitious reforms aimed at modernizing the economy, strengthening social safety nets, and addressing pressing environmental challenges.

The Impact and Legacy of Macron’s Presidency

Macron’s presidency has been marked by both successes and controversies. He enacted significant economic reforms, including changes to labor laws, tax policy, and the pension system. These measures aimed to boost competitiveness, attract investment, and address France’s chronic unemployment problem.

While some praise Macron for his boldness and willingness to tackle difficult issues, others criticize his reforms as being too market-oriented and detrimental to workers’ rights. The “gilets jaunes” (yellow vests) movement, which erupted in late 2018 in protest against rising fuel prices and inequality, underscored the deep divisions within French society over Macron’s policies.

On the international stage, Macron has positioned himself as a leading voice in Europe, advocating for closer integration and a stronger role for the EU in global affairs. He has also sought to rebuild France’s relationship with Africa, addressing historical injustices and promoting economic partnerships. However, Macron’s foreign policy has been criticized by some for being too interventionist and for prioritizing French interests over those of other countries.

Macron’s presidency has undoubtedly transformed the French political landscape, ushering in a new era of centrism and pragmatism. His legacy will be debated for years to come as France grapples with complex challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and the rise of populism. Whether Macron succeeds in navigating these turbulent waters and leaving a lasting positive impact on France remains to be seen.

A Look at the 2017 Election Numbers:

Candidate	Party	First Round Votes (%)	Second Round Votes (%)
Emmanuel Macron	En Marche!	24.01	66.10
Marine Le Pen	National Rally	21.30	33.90