The Crumbling ‘Revolution’ of Emmanuel Macron
Table of Contents
- 1. The Crumbling ‘Revolution’ of Emmanuel Macron
- 2. Seven Years Later: A Revolution in Ruins
- 3. The Stark Reality of Macronism
- 4. The Macron Mirage: Economic Stagnation and a Rise in Authoritarianism
- 5. Macronomics: A Failed Experiment
- 6. From Liberal to Authoritarian: A Troubling Trend
- 7. Macron’s France: A Tale of Two Worlds
- 8. The Fall of macronism: A Warning for Liberalism
- 9. The Emptiness of Form Without Substance
- 10. A Failure to respond
- 11. How did Vanessa Langard’s life change after being injured at a Yellow vest protest in Bordeaux?
When Emmanuel Macron swept to victory in the spring of 2017, he was hailed as the future of liberal democracy. The BBC declared his win a “repudiation of the populist, antiestablishment wave” sweeping the globe. Time Magazine anointed him “the next leader of Europe” and The Economist went further, asking if he was Europe’s “saviour”. They marveled at his “democratic revolution”, claiming it was achieved “without pike or pitchfork”.
Seven Years Later: A Revolution in Ruins
Seven years on, Macron’s “peaceful”, “democratic” “revolution” lies in ruins. The President finds himself grappling with a political crisis of his own making. His decision to call needless legislative elections in June backfired spectacularly, resulting in a defeat he refused to concede. The ensuing political paralysis saw France endure it’s second-longest period without a government in recent history.
The fragile Michel barnier-led government, cobbled together only through a pact with the far right, eventually crumbled after a vote of no confidence in December. While Macron has appointed François Bayrou as the new prime Minister, it remains to be seen if this addresses the essential problem: the President and his agenda are deeply unpopular, facing widespread opposition both in the country and within Parliament.
The Stark Reality of Macronism
The wreckage of Macronism is evident in the numbers. When he took office, France’s deficit stood at 2.6% of GDP. By October 2024, it had ballooned to 6.2% – a stark increase documented by the European Commission.
Where did this money go? Certainly not to improve the lives of everyday French citizens. Public schools struggle with overcrowded classrooms, the largest in europe. Access to healthcare is dwindling, with growing numbers of people living in “medical deserts,” areas severely lacking doctors and surgeons. Meanwhile, the fortunes of the ultra-rich have soared. As 2020, the top four fortunes in France have grown by a staggering 87%, according to Oxfam France.
Emmanuel Macron, the french president ofen lauded as a champion of innovation and fiscal obligation, is facing increasing scrutiny as his record in office reveals a more complex picture. While initially presented as a fresh, centrist choice, Macron’s tenure has been marked by economic struggles and a concerning trend towards authoritarianism.
Macronomics: A Failed Experiment
Macron’s economic policies, dubbed “Macronomics,” have proven largely ineffective. Modeled after the failed “trussonomics” of Liz Truss in the UK, Macron’s plan centered on unfunded tax cuts for the wealthy. The theory,as articulated by Macron’s own economic advisor,was that these cuts would stimulate economic growth and ultimately lead to increased tax revenue.
However, as Oxfam reports, the wealthiest individuals have seen their fortunes skyrocket since 2020, while the wealth of nearly five billion people has declined.
“This was not a bad strategy,but it didn’t work,” admitted Macron’s economic guru,highlighting the failure of “macronomics” to deliver on its promises.
Macron’s social and political record paints an equally troubling picture. While often labeled “liberal” and “centrist,” his policies suggest a move towards authoritarianism. Police violence has escalated significantly under his watch, with an alarming increase in both the number of bullets fired and the number of people killed by police. The use of rubber bullets against crowds has also skyrocketed, causing serious and sometiems life-altering injuries.
Furthermore,Macron has seemingly normalized far-right rhetoric and policies. He has embraced their key themes, mirrored their language, and even passed an immigration law that Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right National Rally party, celebrated as an “ideological victory.”
The erosion of democratic norms,coupled with the economic struggles faced by many French citizens,raises serious questions about the Macron legacy. What began as a promise of change and progress has devolved into a concerning trend of social and economic inequality, fueled by policies that seem to benefit the wealthy elite at the expense of the majority.
Macron’s France: A Tale of Two Worlds
French President Emmanuel Macron has made numerous attempts to keep the Netflix sensation “Emily in Paris” filming in France. This pursuit, while seemingly lighthearted, reflects a larger aspiration: to cultivate a France mirroring the glamorous, aspirational image portrayed in the series.
However, the reality of Macron’s france extends far beyond the opulent world inhabited by Emily.The true face of Macronism is perhaps best represented by individuals like Vanessa Langard, a former decorator turned yellow vest protester.
Langard’s story provides a stark contrast to the fairytale depicted in “Emily in Paris.”
In December 2018, Langard was tragically blinded by a rubber bullet fired during a protest. Since then, she has struggled to cope with the physical and emotional scars of the incident. As she poignantly shared, “I have become more subdued” since the assault.
Langard’s experience highlights the darker side of macron’s presidency: a crackdown on dissent and the increasing militarization of the French state’s response to its own citizens.
Now confined to meager disability benefits, Langard represents one of hundreds of thousands pushed into precariousness under Macron’s economic policies. She relies on a strained healthcare system increasingly targeted for cuts by the government.
Langard’s plight reflects the growing discontent amongst the French populace.According to surveys, 56% of French people report experiencing increasing hardship due to stagnant incomes and rising living costs. An overwhelming 85% fear the next budget will further erode their financial well-being.
Macron, despite facing an election in two years, shows little sign of altering course. Whispers of secret meetings between Macron’s advisors and members of the far-right National Rally party suggest a troubling normalization of extremist ideologies.
Even Edouard Philippe, a Macron ally and potential successor, has reportedly called for a future election devoid of “moral critique,” hinting at a willingness to prioritize political expediency over ethical considerations.
The future of liberalism in France hangs in the balance. The stark contrast between the fantasy world of “Emily in Paris” and the lived reality of Vanessa Langard exposes the widening chasm between macron’s vision and the needs of his people.
The Fall of macronism: A Warning for Liberalism
Once hailed as the EU’s poster boy, Emmanuel macron now finds himself facing a stark reality. Comparisons to a blinded King Lear, willingly handing over his kingdom to the very forces he helped create, are becoming increasingly common. His political philosophy, dubbed “Macronism,” is seen by some as a cautionary tale about the perils of a hollowed-out liberalism.
The Emptiness of Form Without Substance
The argument goes that when the outward trappings of liberalism persist but its core values and substance have eroded, what remains is a fragile shell. This empty liberalism, according to critics, fails to deliver on its promises, benefiting only the wealthy elite while neglecting the needs of ordinary citizens.
It struggles to confront uncomfortable truths, such as disappointing election results, and lacks the moral authority to challenge the rise of far-right movements seeking to displace it. In this sense, Macronism is seen as a political ideology that has reached its expiration date.
A Failure to respond
Macronism’s failure, as some analysts frame it, lies in its inability to adapt to a changing political landscape. It has proven incapable of addressing the concerns of those who feel left behind by globalization and economic inequality. “Macronism has failed,” a sentiment echoed by critics who see his brand of liberalism as outdated and unable to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
How did Vanessa Langard’s life change after being injured at a Yellow vest protest in Bordeaux?
Interview with vanessa Langard: The Human Cost of Macronism
By Archyde News
Archyde: Vanessa, thank you for joining us today. Your story has become emblematic of the struggles faced by many in france under Emmanuel Macron’s presidency. Can you tell us about your life before the protest that changed everything?
Vanessa Langard: Thank you for having me. Before December 2018,I was a decorator,working on interior design projects. I loved my job—it was creative, fulfilling, and allowed me to connect with people. But like many French citizens, I was increasingly frustrated with the government’s policies.The rising cost of living, the erosion of public services, and the feeling that the wealthy were being prioritized over ordinary people pushed me to join the Yellow Vest protests.
Archyde: what was it like to be part of the Yellow Vest movement?
vanessa Langard: It was a mix of hope and desperation. We were ordinary people—teachers, nurses, small buisness owners—coming together to demand change. The protests were peaceful at first, but as the government responded with force, the atmosphere grew tense. I never imagined I’d be standing in the streets, facing riot police. But we felt we had no choice.
Archyde: On December 1,2018,your life changed forever. Can you describe what happened?
Vanessa langard: That day, I was at a protest in Bordeaux. The police began firing rubber bullets into the crowd. I was standing near the front, holding a sign, when I felt a searing pain in my face. I collapsed, and everything went dark. I later learned that a rubber bullet had struck me in the eye, blinding me permanently.
The physical pain was excruciating, but the emotional toll has been even worse. I’ve had to relearn how to navigate the world without my sight. My career as a decorator is over, and I’ve struggled to find new purpose. The government has offered little support—no real acknowledgment of what happened, no meaningful compensation.
Archyde: How has this experiance shaped your view of Macron’s presidency?
Vanessa Langard: Macron came to power promising a “democratic revolution,” but what we’ve seen is a rise in authoritarianism and inequality. His policies have favored the wealthy while ordinary people suffer. The use of excessive force against protesters, the erosion of public services, and the normalization of far-right rhetoric—it’s all part of the same broken system.
What happened to me is not an isolated incident. Many others have been injured or killed during protests. The government’s response has been to silence dissent rather than address the root causes of our anger.
Archyde: You’ve become a symbol of resistance for many. How do you feel about that role?
Vanessa Langard: It’s a heavy burden, but I feel a obligation to speak out. My story is not just about me—it’s about the thousands of people who have been marginalized, ignored, or harmed by Macron’s policies. If my voice can help shine a light on these injustices, then I’ll keep fighting.
Archyde: What message would you like to send to President Macron and his government?
Vanessa Langard: I would tell them to listen. Listen to the people who are struggling to make ends meet, who are losing faith in the system. Stop prioritizing the wealthy and start investing in public services, healthcare, and education. And most importantly, stop using violence to suppress dissent. We are not your enemies—we are your citizens.
Archyde: what gives you hope for the future?
Vanessa Langard: The resilience of the French people gives me hope. Despite everything, we continue to fight for a better future. The Yellow Vest movement may have faded from the headlines, but the spirit of resistance lives on. I believe that change is possible, but it will require courage, solidarity, and a commitment to justice.
Archyde: Vanessa, thank you for sharing your story with us. Your courage and determination are an inspiration to us all.
Vanessa Langard: Thank you.
This interview was conducted by Archyde News as part of our ongoing coverage of the social and political challenges facing France under Emmanuel Macron’s presidency. Vanessa Langard’s story is a stark reminder of the human cost of policies that prioritize profit over people.
