He succeeded in shining the spotlight on France as a cultural and political power. However, this success remains limited if the presidente fails to translate this momentum into tangible actions on the ground. The challenges he faces, both domestically in terms of regaining public trust and forming a stable government, and internationally amidst the rapidly changing global landscape, require deeper and bolder strategies
By Dr. Nidal Shoukeir*
It is no secret that 2024 has not been one of the best years of President Emmanuel Macron’s rule, and it may well be the worst since he took office on May 14, 2017. This year has been marked by a series of crises that have shaken the foundations of his leadership, the most prominent of which was the defeat of his party in the European elections, losing to the far-right National Rally party in June. This was a severe blow to Macron’s political ambitions and his image as a European leader.
The crises did not stop there, as the snap parliamentary elections he called for in July, following that loss, only complicated the situation further. His party lost its parliamentary majority, forcing him to form a fragile minority government led by Michel Barnier, a seasoned politician who was expected to restore balance. However, this government lasted only 89 days before it was brought down by a vote of no confidence in Parliament in December, plunging the country into a deep political crisis and casting a dark shadow over Macron’s political future.
A Legacy of Challenges
2024 was not an exception in Macron’s journey, which has been fraught with challenges from the very beginning. His reformist ambitions and progressive vision were constantly met with complex internal and international realities. Early in his presidency, Macron faced waves of popular discontent, starting with the “Yellow Vest” movement, which erupted just a year after he took office, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic that strained the French economy and exposed weaknesses in the country’s healthcare system, and the consequences of the war in Ukraine, which created economic and political burdens on France and Europe as a whole. Additionally, his controversial attempt to reform the pension system sparked widespread protests and further eroded his popularity at home.
However, the crises of this year surpassed all that came before. The results of the recent parliamentary elections revealed the fragility of Macron’s system, with Parliament divided into three roughly equal blocs, plunging the country into a political deadlock and an unprecedented legislative vacuum. Domestically, Macron has become unable to implement his policies, while his government has been at the mercy of unstable alliances between the far-right and far-left, as evidenced by the downfall of Barnier’s government. Externally, this internal chaos has weakened Macron’s position as a prominent European leader, affecting France’s ability to maintain its leadership role on the global stage.
“Notre-Dame Diplomacy”: Hope Amid the Storm
In the face of this troubled situation, Macron recognized the need for a bold move to regain some political momentum and strengthen his international presence. He found this opportunity in the reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a global symbol of resilience and renewal. The cathedral, which suffered extensive damage in a fire in 2019, has become a symbol of France’s will and ability to rebuild in the face of disaster.
With remarkable political acumen, Macron decided to seize this occasion to launch what can be described as “Notre-Dame Diplomacy.” Instead of making the reopening merely a symbolic event, he turned it into a global gathering, attended by over 40 heads of state, along with hundreds of prominent international figures. The ceremony was broadcast widely across global media, becoming a focal point that highlighted France’s cultural and civilizational face and reinforced its pivotal role in the world.
However, Macron did not limit the event to its cultural symbolism; he used it to achieve clear diplomatic goals:
Enhancing International Presence: The event was an opportunity to reaffirm Macron’s position on the international stage after a series of setbacks that affected his foreign influence.
Mending Strained Relations: Macron used the event to break the deadlock in his relationship with newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump, whose relationship with Macron had long been chilly.
On the sidelines of the ceremony, Macron held a historic meeting at the Élysée Palace with Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The trilateral meeting carried significant symbolism, as it reaffirmed France’s steadfast support for Ukraine and showcased Macron as a diplomatic mediator capable of bringing conflicting parties to the table. This step strengthened Macron’s image as a leader with a strategic vision and an active role in resolving international crises, especially the war in Ukraine.
Symbolic Success and Ongoing Challenges
Undoubtedly, “Notre-Dame Diplomacy” succeeded in shining the spotlight on France as a cultural and political power, giving Macron the much-needed moral boost. The event demonstrated France’s ability to leverage cultural symbolism to enhance its international role, allowing the French president to regain some political momentum at a crucial time.
However, this success remains limited if Macron fails to translate this momentum into tangible actions on the ground. The challenges he faces, both domestically in terms of regaining public trust and forming a stable government, and internationally amidst the rapidly changing global landscape, require deeper and bolder strategies.
The big question now is: Can Macron turn this symbolic success into a real trajectory that rebuilds internal stability and strengthens France’s external position? Or will the ongoing crises consume this temporary success and put his political legacy at risk?
*Professor of Strategic Communications and Governmental Relations
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