I’m not French, and my opinion is based on pretty much nothing but a smattering of headlines, but I really dislike Macron. He strikes me as an opportunistic little boy trying to make everyone happy while pissing off his parents (the French electorate) at nearly every turn. He tries to push his way into the global spotlight by meeting with Putin and Xi and thinks he looks like some neutral peacemaker, but we never really see any results other than a small boost to his profile.
Maybe I’m totally wrong, like I said I’m just a spectator. Maybe it’s just his face.
We all do. People believed he was some kind of center-left and discovered way too late that he was a banker working for McKinsey.
I definitely smell the McKinsey stench now that you mention it.
Hopefully, this doesn’t break rule one and/or two too much. If so, let me know and I’ll delete.
I think I know a little more than you about French president Macron, but if so, not by much. So here’s the blind arguing with the blind!
Full disclaimer, this is a copypasta of the answer I got from an AI assistant:
Certainly! Let’s explore both perspectives on French President Emmanuel Macron:
- Positive Perspective: Emmanuel Macron, as the French President, has made significant strides in positioning Europe as a more assertive global power. His vision for a united Europe, especially during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, demonstrates his commitment to international stability and cooperation. Macron’s close cooperation with other world leaders, such as United States President Joe Biden, highlights his dedication to addressing global challenges, including climate change and defending democracy. Furthermore, his efforts to rejuvenate France and prepare it for crises underscore his determination to lead effectively on the world stage. Macron’s energy, international presence, and rhetorical vision have garnered him support both domestically and internationally.
- Critical Perspective: However, Macron’s presidency has not been without controversy. His perceived elitism, stemming from his background in finance and top universities, has alienated some segments of French society. His centralization of power and occasional gaffes, like telling an unemployed gardener to “cross the road” to find a job, have fueled class-based resentment. Additionally, his polarizing effect during the “yellow vest” protests and the visceral rejection he faces from part of the population mirror the challenges he encounters as a leader. While Macron scores well in polls on competency and presidential stature, his presidency remains divisive.
In summary, Macron’s impact on the world stage is multifaceted, with supporters praising his global vision and critics highlighting his perceived elitism and class-based tensions. Ultimately, whether he is a good president for the world depends on individual perspectives and priorities.
That’s what I used to help myself determine if you were a little too harsh on him. I thought it could be beneficial to share, but like I started this response with, if this is frowned upon, I’ll happily remove this!
I appreciate the pushback, I really do want to get a more well-rounded sense of Macron and his popularity.
I don’t usually like LLM summaries as a general rule, but since my opinions were admittedly based on vibes and not much substance, this might be a good use for it.
That LLM is really pro-Macron, I wouldn’t take its opinion at face value.
The parts about defending democracy, addressing climate change, and preparing France for crises, in particular, are pretty ironic when you take into account the fact that both Amnesty International and the European Court of Human Rights have spoken up against his frankly appalling handling of the yellow vest crisis (the latter has a procedure against the French State dor acts of torture against demonstrators), that he’s been torpedoing our public health system even during the pandemic, and that his administration has been found guilty of “climatic inaction” by our own courts… The list goes on. For a while, “to Macron” in Ukrainian meant talking a lot while doing nothing. Maybe the LLM bought into the political communication.
