Political Crisis at the Élysée: The End of Macron's Term Amid Plunging Popularity and 2027 Election Concerns

French President Emmanuel Macron is going through a critical phase of his second presidential term, marked by record-low popularity levels and sharp criticism of his political track record from various quarters, alongside the abandonment of several former supporters at a time when he seeks to shape the landscape of the upcoming 2027 presidential election.

Farewell Ceremonies and Continuity in Office

In Paris, Emmanuel Macron presided over the Armistice Day commemorations on November 11, the final one of his two presidential terms. Despite the political symbolism of these farewell milestones, circles within the Élysée Palace are keen to downplay such moments, emphasizing that the president will continue to carry out his duties in full until the very last second of his mandate, in an effort to counter suggestions of denial within the presidential team.

A Political Initiative Met with Indifference

In a bid to assert his presence and address fears of radical opposition forces coming to power, Macron leaked a proposal aimed at preventing a runoff scenario between far-right leader Marine Le Pen and radical left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon. The proposal involves forming an unprecedented broad coalition spanning the political spectrum from Raphaël Glucksmann to David Lisnard, based on agreeing to a shared compromise platform before settling on a candidate's name.

However, this initiative was met with indifference and disregard, even from within his own political camp, while his remaining supporters remain in a state of watchful anxiety, hoping that the political assessment of his presidency will see fairness or vindication after he departs the Élysée Palace in 2027.