French media are making light of a supposed ‘quip’ by President Emmanuel Macron that could lead to the abolition of the two-term limit. The controversy arose from a meeting behind closed doors between Macron and the heads of opposition parties in Saint-Denis, Paris on August 30. It was reported that Macron expressed his disagreement with the limitation on the number of terms that a president can serve, stating that it has been “disastrous bulls**t”. This statement has sparked speculation about Macron’s future political ambitions.
Currently, the French president can serve two five-year terms. However, Jordan Bardella, the head of the right-wing opposition party National Rally, suggested that it would be beneficial to return to seven-year presidential terms with a limit of one term. Macron’s response to this proposal has fueled speculation that he may seek to extend his own presidency beyond the two-term limit.
The debate surrounding term limits in France dates back to 2008 when then-President Nicolas Sarkozy implemented the current two-term limit. The reasons behind this decision remain unclear, but Macron appears to believe that it was a mistake and that he should have the opportunity to be reelected as many times as possible. This sentiment was echoed by Richard Ferrand, a member of Macron’s political party, in June.
If Macron wishes to extend his presidency beyond the current two-term limit, a constitutional reform would be required. Under the French Constitution, a former president who has already served two terms can potentially come back for another term. If Macron were to pursue this option, he would be eligible to be a candidate for reelection in 2027. Otherwise, he would have to wait until 2032, which could be politically risky if a more popular president emerges during that time.
Despite his unpopularity, Macron still has few potential opponents in the political arena. His former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and the current Minister of Internal Affairs, Gérald Darmanin, are among the few who could pose a challenge. However, Darmanin, who is known for his ambition, has already begun positioning himself as a potential future president. Although Macron may be unpopular, his best chance for a political comeback would be if Marine Le Pen of the National Rally were elected in 2027. Macron’s opponents within the administration and other state structures, many of which lean left politically, would likely resist her leadership, creating chaos that could pave the way for Macron’s return.
While personal ambition may be a driving factor for Macron, his role as a strong advocate for the Western system cannot be ignored. His actions during the Covid-19 crisis, his involvement in the Ukraine conflict, and his support for migration policies align him closely with financial international circles and Western supranational elites. Macron is seen as a loyal soldier of the system, making it important for him to stay in a position of power, either as the head of France or potentially as the head of the EU after Ursula von der Leyen.
The media attention surrounding Macron’s supposed quip is seen as a test to gauge public reaction and readiness for a potential constitutional reform. A referendum would likely be necessary to implement such a change, but given Macron’s low approval ratings, it could be politically risky for him. Therefore, the narrative needs to be carefully crafted and the public needs to be swayed in favor of the reform. The hypocrisy of establishment media journalists is apparent, as they now support Macron’s proposal after previously criticizing long-serving leaders in other countries.
Overall, the controversy surrounding Macron’s comments and the potential abolition of term limits has sparked intense speculation about the president’s future ambitions. Macron’s words, whether a serious proposal or simply a quip, reveal his desire for continued political power. As a young and ambitious leader, Macron seeks to extend his presidency beyond the current two-term limit and potentially return to power as many times as possible. Whether this is driven by personal ambition or a desire to serve the Western system, Macron’s future political trajectory remains uncertain.
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