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Emmanuel Macron
Emmanuel Macron in 2014
Minister of the Economy, Industry and Digital Affairs
In office
26 August 2014 – 30 August 2016
Prime MinisterManuel Valls
Preceded byArnaud Montebourg
Succeeded byMichel Sapin
Personal details
Born
Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron

(1977-12-21) 21 December 1977 (age 46)
Amiens, France
Political partySocialist Party (2006–2009)
Independent (2009–present)
Other political
affiliations		En Marche! (2016–present)
Spouse
Brigitte Trogneux
​
(m. 2007)​
Alma materParis X Nanterre
Sciences Po
École nationale d'administration

Emmanuel Macron (French: [ɛmanɥɛl makʁɔ̃]; born 21 December 1977) is a French politician, senior civil servant, former investment banker, and leading candidate for the French presidency in the upcoming elections in April-May 2017.[1] Born in Amiens, he studied Philosophy at Paris Nanterre University, and later graduated from the École nationale d'administration (ENA) in 2004. He went on to become an Inspector of Finances in the French Inspectorate General of Finances (IGF) before becoming an investment banker at Rothschild & Cie Banque. A member of the French Socialist Party (PS) from 2006 to 2009, he was appointed deputy secretary-general in the French Finance Ministry under François Hollande's first government in 2012 before being appointed Minister of Economy, Industry and Digital Affairs in 2014 under the Second Valls Government,[2], where he pushed through business-friendly reforms. He resigned in August 2016,[3] in order to launch a social liberal[4][5][6] bid in the 2017 presidential election.[7] In November 2016, Macron declared that he would stand in the election under the banner of En Marche!, a movement he founded in April 2016.

Early life and education

Born in Amiens, Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron is the son of Jean-Michel Macron, Professor of Neurology at the University of Picardy, and Françoise Macron-Noguès, a doctor.

He was educated mostly at the La Providence lycée in Amiens[8] before his parents sent him to finish his last year of school[9] at the élite high school Lycée Henri-IV in Paris. He studied Philosophy at the University of Paris-Ouest Nanterre La Défense, obtaining a DEA degree.

He obtained a degree in Public Affairs at Sciences Po, before training for a senior civil service career at the École nationale d'administration (ENA), graduating in 2004.[10]

Public and private career

Macron worked as an Inspector of Finances in the French Ministry of Economy between 2004 and 2008. In 2007, he served as deputy rapporteur for the Commission to improve French growth headed by Jacques Attali.[8]

He left to work as an investment banker at Rothschild & Cie Banque. While at Rothschild, he closed a high-profile deal between Nestlé and Pfizer,[10] which made him a millionaire.

Political career

Macron was a member of the Socialist Party (PS) from 2006 to 2009. In 2015, during an interview on BFM TV, he said that he wasn't a member of the PS any more, and was now an Independent.[11] From 2012 to 2014, he was deputy secretary general of the Élysée, a senior role in President Hollande's staff.[10] He was appointed Minister of Economy, Industry and Digital Data in the second Valls Cabinet on 26 August 2014, replacing Arnaud Montebourg.[2]

As Minister of the Economy, Macron was at the forefront of pushing through business-friendly reforms. In February 2015, he pledged that government would force through reforms despite opposition from the parliament. The statement came in response to European Commission pressure over repeatedly missed public deficit targets.

On 30 August 2016, Macron resigned from the government ahead of the 2017 presidential election, with the view of launching a social liberal bid for the presidency.[7] This came shortly after he founded his own progressive[12][13] political movement, En Marche!, an independent political party, for which he was reprimanded by President Hollande.[14]

On 16 November 2016, Macron formally declared his candidacy for the French presidency after months of speculation. In his announcement speech, Macron called for a "democratic revolution" and promised to "unblock France".[15]

Political positions

Emmanuel Macron has been described by some observers as a social liberal[16][17][18][19][20] and by others as a social democrat[21][22][23]. During his time in the French Socialist Party, he supported the party's conservative wing,[24] whose political stance has been associated with "third way" policies advanced by Bill Clinton, Tony Blair and Gerhard Schröder, and whose leading spokesman has been former prime minister Manuel Valls.[25][26][27][28] Macron has notably advocated in favor of the free market and reducing the public-finances deficit.[29] Macron used the term "liberal" to describe himself for the first time in 2015 after refusing to do so for a long time. However, he added that he is "neither right nor left", certainly "not ultra-liberal", and that he advocates "a collective solidarity".[30][31] During a visit to the Vendée in August 2016, he stated: "Honesty, it compels me to say that I am not a socialist." He then explained that he is part of the "left government" because he wants "to serve the public interest" as any minister would.[32] In his book Revolution, published in November 2016, Macron presented himself as both a "leftist" and a "liberal", "if by liberalism one means trust in man".[33] With his party En Marche! he intends to go beyond the left-right divide, like François Bayrou or Jacques Chaban-Delmas did in the past, saying that "the real divide in our country (...) is between progressives and conservatives". With the launch of En marche! and the use of anti-system rhetoric, he was called a populist by some, particularly by Manuel Valls, but he rejects this term.[34][35]

Environment

Ahead of the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Macron called for acceleration of the ecological transition and advocated a "balance between ecological imperatives and economic requirements", an objective that the French government seeks to achieve by fighting on "five fronts": "innovation", "simplification", "strengthening of our energy efficiency and [...] reduction of fossil fuels usage", "energy competitiveness" and "action in Europe and worldwide".[36]

During summer of 2016, he defended the use of diesel fuel for which he believes that shouldn't be "hunt" since it "remains at the heart of the French industrial policy". Macron expressed this opinion in the aftermath of the Volkswagen emissions scandal for which he was heavily criticized by his party.[37][38][39] In addition, Macron is in favor of using nuclear energy which he considers "a French choice and a choice for the future".[40]

In 2016, Macron proposed that France "secures its supplies in the most strategic materials using three levers: the circular economy and the recovery of materials contained in the end of life of the products [...]; The diversification of supplies to overcome geopolitical risks [...] and to bring more competitiveness; the creation of new reasonable sized mines in France, while following the best social and environmental standards".[41]

Although he is sceptical about the construction of the Aéroport du Grand Ouest, Macron believes that the construction should start since the people backed the project on the 2016 local referendum.[42]

European Union

Emmanuel Macron was described by some as europhile[43][44] and federalist[45][46] but he describes himself as "neither pro-european, eurosceptic nor a federalist in the classical sense",[47] and his party as "the only pro-european political force in France".[48] In June 2015, Macron and his German counterpart Sigmar Gabriel published a platform advocating a continuation of European integration. They advocate the continuation "of structural reforms (like labor market), institutional reforms (including the area of economic governance)",[49] but also a reconciliation of 'tax and social systems (like better coordination or harmonization of the corporate taxes via, for example, minimum wages)". He also advocates the creation of a post of the EU Commissioner that would be responsible for the Eurozone and Eurozone's Parliament and a common budget.[50] In addition, Macro stated: "I'm in favor of strengthening anti-dumping measures which have to be faster and more powerful like those in the United States. We also need to establish a monitoring of foreign investments in strategic sectors at the EU level in order to protect a vital industry and to ensure our sovereignty and the European superiority."[30]

In July 2015, while challenging the "loaded question" of the 2015 Greek referendum, Macron called not to cause "automatic ejection" of Greece from the eurozone and "not doing the Versailles Treaty of eurozone" in case "no" side won. He believed that the Greek and European leaders co-produced the Greek government-debt crisis,[51] and that the agreement reached in summer 2015 between Greece and its creditors, notably driven by François Hollande, won't help Greece in dealing with the debt, while at the same time criticizing the International Monetary Fund.[52] In June 2016, he criticized the austerity policies imposed on Greece, considering them to be unsustainable and calling for the joint establishment of "fiscal and financial solidarity mechanisms" and a mechanism for restructuring the debt of eurozone member states.[52] Yanis Varoufakis, Minister of Finance in the First Cabinet of Alexis Tsipras, praised Macron, calling him "the only French Minister in the Francois Hollande's administration that seemed to understand what was at stake in the eurozone" and who, according to him, "tried to play the intermediary between us [Greece] and the troika of our creditors [ EC, IMF, ECB ] even if they don't allow him to play the role".[53]

He supports the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) established between Canada and the European Union,[54] criticizing the Walloon government for trying to block it. He considers that CETA shouldn't be validated by national parliaments because "it undermines the EU".[55] Regarding the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), Macron stated in June 2016 that "the conditions [to sign the treaty] are not met", adding that we "mustn't close the door entirely" and "need a strong link with the US'.[56]

Foreign policy

Regarding Syria, Macron has articulated a position "mid-way between political ostracism of the Assad regime and exclusive support for the rebels," consistent with the French government's preexisting policy since 2011. He also opposes the anti-Israeli BDS movement, and has refused to state a position on recognition of the State of Palestine.[57]

Immigration

Unlike many French Socialists, including Manuel Valls, Macron supports the open-door policy toward immigrants and refugees pursued by Angela Merkel in Germany.[58] Macron has expressed confidence in France's ability to absorb more immigrants and welcomes their arrival into Europe, asserting that the influx will have a positive economic impact.[59] However, he believes that Frontex is "not a sufficiently ambitious program" and has called for more investment in coast and border guards, "because anyone who enters [Europe] at Lampedusa or elsewhere is a concern for all European countries."[55] Regarding asylum policy, he believes "the [...] period of review should be considerably shortened" and that "all those whose claims fail must be deported immediately."

Secularism

In July 2016, at the first meeting of En Marche!, Macron expressed opposition to the ban on Muslim headscarves in universities, stating, "Personally, I do not believe we should be inventing new texts, new laws, new standards, in order to hunt down veils at universities and go after people who wear religious symbols during field trips."[60]

In an interview with the French news magazine Marianne, Macron asserted that "secularism is not designed to promote a republican religion," and responded to comments by Manuel Valls and Jean-Pierre Chevènement regarding the practice of Islam in French society by condemning the notion that citizens should be "discreet" in their religious practice, stating that "historical precedents when we asked for discretion in matters of religion did not bring honor to the Republic."[61] In the same interview, Macron said of French Muslims, "I ask one thing: absolutely respect the rules while in public. Religious relationships are about transcendence, and I am not asking people to be moderate - that's not what I'm arguing. My own deep conviction is that a practicing Catholic may believe that the laws of his religion go far beyond the laws of the Republic. I simply believe that when one enters the public realm, the laws of the Republic must prevail over religious law." Also in the same interview, Macron condemned "religious schools that teach hatred towards the Republic, with instruction mainly in Arabic or, in other instances, which teach the Torah more than basic fundamentals."[61] This statement triggered an intense negative reaction from the Fonds social juif unifié (FSJU), an organization that runs Jewish religious schools in France.[62]

Security and terrorism

Macron believes that the proposed reform bill on deprivation of citizenship for French-born and naturalized citizens convicted on terrorism charges was not a "concrete solution" and believes that "the endless prolongation of the state of emergency raises legitimate questions". He advocates an increase in state funding of intelligence agencies.[63]

Macron calls for a restoration of community policing and considers that "the management of some major risks must be delegated to the associations' or the private sector".[64]

He considers that his proposal to provide each young adult a "Culture Pass" of 500€ may encourage young people to discover the culture of France and deter terrorism.[65]

Personal life

Macron is married to Brigitte Trogneux, who is 24 years his senior, and was his former teacher in La Providence high school, Amiens.[66][67] The pair first met when he was a student in her class, aged 15, but were only officially a couple once he was 18 years of age.[68] His parents initially attempted to split the couple by sending him away to Paris to finish the final year of his schooling, as they felt his youth made this relationship inappropriate,[9][68] but the couple stayed together after he graduated, and were married in 2007. The couple lives with Trogneux's three children from her previous marriage.[10]

A rumor emerged during the run-up to the presidential election that Macron had a gay affair with president of the INA (Institut national de l'audiovisuel) Mathieu Gallet. However, Macron denied the rumours, saying "where would I find the time?",[69] and joking that "it's my hologram that suddenly escaped, but it can't be me!", referring to Jean-Luc Mélenchon's use of a hologram to appear simultaneously at two rallies in Paris and Lyon.[70]

References

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  4. ^ L'Hebdo - Emmanuel Macron: portrait d'un social-libéral
  5. ^ Le Figaro - - Le social-libéralisme d'Emmanuel Macron représente... 6% du corps électoral - Alexandre Devecchio - 31/08/2016
  6. ^ Marianne - La démonstration de force du social-libéral Emmanuel Macron - Samedi 10 décembre 2016
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  10. ^ a b c d Renee Kaplan, Who is the hot new French Economy Minister
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  12. ^ Europe1 - 27/06/2016 - Macron veut voir son "projet progressiste" défendu en 2017
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  36. ^ Emmanuel Macron, « Construire une « alliance de Paris pour le climat » », Annales des Mines - Responsabilité et Environnement, vol. 2, no 78, 2015, p. 3
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  38. ^ "Macron se pose en chantre du diesel et s'oppose à Hidalgo". Lefigaro.fr. 2016-08-23. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  39. ^ "Diesel : Emmanuel Macron déclenche les foudres de son camp" (in Template:Fr icon). Rtl.fr. 2016-08-08. Retrieved 2017-02-05.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  40. ^ ""Le nucléaire est un choix français et un choix d'avenir", assure Emmanuel Macron - L'Usine de l'Energie". Usinenouvelle.com. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  41. ^ Emmanuel Macron, « Avant-propos », Annales des Mines - Responsabilité et Environnement, vol. 2, no 82, 2016, p. 3
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  44. ^ "Emmanuel Macron se pose en europhile assumé –". Euractiv.fr. 2016-07-13. Retrieved 2017-02-01.
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  52. ^ a b "Grèce : Emmanuel Macron pessimiste sur l'accord". Lefigaro.fr. 2015-07-15. Retrieved 2017-02-01.
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  55. ^ a b http://www.lesoir.be/1346811/article/actualite/union-europeenne/2016-10-19/macron-questions-wallonnes-sur-ceta-sont-pertinentes-mais%E2%80%A6
  56. ^ "Interview d'Emmanuel Macron dans Le Monde : « Nous devons délivrer l'Europe de ce qu'elle est devenue » - En Marche !". En-marche.fr. 2016-06-20. Retrieved 2017-02-01.
  57. ^ "Emmanuel Macron : « Faire de la destitution d'Assad un préalable à tout a été une erreur »". Lemonde.fr. 2017-01-24. Retrieved 2017-02-01.
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  62. ^ "Les écoles juives condamnent les propos d'Emmanuel Macron dans Marianne". La Croix. 2016-10-07. Retrieved 2017-02-01.
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  65. ^ Alerteinfo (2017-01-27). "Emmanuel Macron veut créer un «pass culture» de 500 euros pour les jeunes". 20minutes.fr. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
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  67. ^ Serhan, Yasmeen (8 February 2017). "Emmanuel Macron's Unexpected Shot at the French Presidency". The Atlantic. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
  68. ^ a b "Brigitte Macron - Trogneux : le rôle essentiel de la femme d'Emmanuel Macron" (in French). Retrieved 2017-01-27.
  69. ^ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/02/07/emmanuel-macron-laughs-gay-affair-rumours/
  70. ^ "France election: Macron laughs off gay affair rumours". BBC News. 7 February 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
Political offices
Preceded by Minister of the Economy, Industry and Digital Affairs
2014–2016 		Succeeded by
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