The 2017 French Presidential Election: A Seismic Shift in French Politics and a Catalyst for Global Change

The 2017 French presidential election was more than just a political contest; it was a seismic shift in French politics, reverberating throughout Europe and beyond. This historic event pitted two vastly different candidates against each other - the centrist Emmanuel Macron, a former investment banker and economy minister, against Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right National Rally (formerly known as the National Front).

Macron’s victory, with 66.1% of the vote, was unprecedented for a number of reasons. He was the youngest president in French history at just 39 years old, and his political movement, En Marche!, was founded only a year before the election. Macron campaigned on a platform of liberal economic reforms, pro-European Union sentiment, and social progress. His opponent, Le Pen, represented a stark contrast.

She advocated for a nationalist, protectionist agenda, promising to withdraw France from the eurozone, curb immigration, and prioritize French citizens over foreigners. Le Pen’s candidacy tapped into a deep vein of discontent amongst segments of the French population who felt left behind by globalization and worried about the erosion of their national identity.

The election exposed the growing divisions within French society, highlighting the anxieties and uncertainties surrounding issues like immigration, economic inequality, and France’s place in the world. Macron’s victory was seen as a relief by many, especially those who feared Le Pen’s nationalist agenda and its potential consequences for both France and the European Union.

Understanding the Roots of Discontent

To truly grasp the significance of the 2017 election, we must delve into the underlying factors that contributed to Le Pen’s rise. For decades, traditional political parties in France had struggled to address the concerns of working-class voters who felt increasingly marginalized by economic globalization and social changes. This sense of disconnect created fertile ground for populist movements like the National Rally.

The 2008 financial crisis further exacerbated these anxieties. Job losses, stagnant wages, and a growing perception that elites were out of touch with ordinary people fueled a sense of anger and resentment towards the established political order.

Le Pen expertly exploited this discontent, positioning herself as the voice of the “forgotten French.” Her rhetoric appealed to those who felt left behind by globalization, promising to restore national pride, protect traditional values, and secure economic prosperity for the French people.

Consequences: A New Era in French Politics?

Macron’s victory marked a decisive moment in French politics, ushering in a new era characterized by centrist politics and a renewed emphasis on European integration. However, the deep divisions exposed during the election persist.

The enduring popularity of Le Pen and the rise of other far-right movements across Europe suggest that the underlying anxieties and grievances that fueled her campaign are not easily resolved. Macron’s presidency has faced significant challenges, from protests against his economic reforms to the COVID-19 pandemic. While he remains popular among many French citizens, his approval ratings have fluctuated throughout his tenure.

The 2017 election serves as a cautionary tale for democracies around the world. It highlights the fragility of democratic institutions in the face of populist movements and underscores the importance of addressing the underlying social and economic inequalities that contribute to their rise.

Only by tackling these issues head-on can we hope to build a more inclusive and resilient society, one that is capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century.

Table: Key Differences between Macron and Le Pen’s Platforms

Issue	Emmanuel Macron	Marine Le Pen
Economy	Pro-market reforms, investment in innovation	Protectionist policies, withdrawal from the Eurozone
Immigration	Controlled immigration with emphasis on integration	Strict limits on immigration, deportation of undocumented migrants
Europe	Strong supporter of the European Union	Eurosceptic, advocated for Frexit (withdrawal from EU)
Social Issues	Support for same-sex marriage, abortion rights	Traditional values, opposition to same-sex marriage

The 2017 French presidential election was a defining moment in contemporary French history. It demonstrated the enduring power of populist movements and the challenges facing democracies in an era marked by rapid social and technological change. While Macron’s victory provided a sense of relief for many, it also underscored the need for deeper societal dialogue and political reforms to address the underlying grievances that fueled Le Pen’s rise.