Emmanuel Macron

Macron came into the world on December 21, 1977, in Amiens. Both his parents were scholars. Jean-Michel Macron, his father, was a neurology professor at the University of Picardy, while his mother, Françoise Macron (maiden name Noguès), practiced medicine. His maternal grandmother, Germaine, with whom he frequently spent time in Bagnères-de-Bigorre, played a pivotal role in molding his progressive beliefs. Additionally, she fostered in him a profound appreciation for literary works.

Emmanuel commenced his academic journey at a Jesuit private institution in Amiens, later pursuing studies at Lycée Henri-IV in Paris. Post high school, he earned his degree from the University of Paris-Ouest Nanterre La Défense. Distinct from his contemporaries, he dedicated two years collaborating with philosopher Paul Ricoeur. Between 2002 and 2004, he was enrolled at the National School of Administration.

In his earlier years, Macron entered the administrative realm under President Jacques Chirac as a financial auditor, dedicating four years to the role. With the political transition in 2007, he assumed the position of deputy rapporteur for the “Commission for the Liberation of French Economic Growth” led by Jacques Attali.

By 2008, Macron ventured into the domain of investment banking. His economic acumen led to an invitation from Rothschild & Cie Banque. Here, after overseeing multiple European company resale transactions, his wealth burgeoned to several million euros.

Joining the presidential administration in 2006, Emmanuel affiliated with the Socialist Party, though his association lasted merely three years. While focusing on economic and investment matters, Macron remained attuned to societal political dynamics. Despite being part of the government under President Nicolas Sarkozy from the Republican Party, in the subsequent elections, he aligned with the Social Democratic Movement’s candidate, François Hollande.

Macron’s meteoric rise in Hollande’s administration commenced in 2012. Recognizing his contributions, he was designated as the Deputy Secretary-General of the Presidency. By 2014, the former banker ascended to the role of Minister of Economics. This role was a pivotal chapter in Macron’s journey. With his charisma, aptitude, and decorum, he was dubbed the “Mozart of the Elysée.”

In this capacity, Macron championed several progressive legislations. By 2015, post numerous deliberations, the “Macron Law” was ratified. This law, aimed at bolstering the French economy through sectoral liberalization, led to upheavals among transport and manual workers. However, it was a boon for the corporate sector.

Analyzing the political landscape from within the corridors of power, Macron discerned a void in political movements addressing societal needs. This realization spurred him to establish his own political faction, funded by private donors. On April 6, 2016, under Macron’s stewardship, the “En Marche” party was inaugurated. The average donation from a party member stood at €50, with membership soaring to 30,000. Notable members included the Rothschild family and Pierre Bergé, an openly gay individual and former collaborator of Yves Saint Laurent.

On November 16, 2016, Macron’s manifesto titled “Revolution” was unveiled. In this document, the social-liberal movement’s spearhead advocated for a transformation in France’s governance model and endorsed continued immigrant influx. Macron championed the economic advantages of this migration strategy, branded himself an “outsider politician,” and shed light on the intricacies of governmental operations.

On April 23, 2017, the initial phase of the French leadership elections occurred. Eleven contenders vied for the position, with only two progressing to the subsequent round: Marine Le Pen, the head of the “National Front” faction, and Macron. The following day’s headlines caught global analysts off guard, given Macron’s soaring popularity.

The final round of the leadership elections transpired on May 7, 2017. By the dawn of May 8, with nearly all votes tallied, the Republic’s Interior Department declared the conclusive outcome of the French leadership race, confirming Macron’s victory. He officially garnered 66.06% of the electorate’s support, while Le Pen secured 33.94%.

Upon his inauguration, Emmanuel endeavored to stay true to his principles. Macron adopted a measured international strategy, refraining from overtly criticizing the dominance of the USA, yet resisting American influence over France’s global stance. Emmanuel Macron sustained both economic and diplomatic relations with Russia. In the context of Ukraine, he remained committed to the Minsk accords, aiming to diminish sanctions on Russia.

However, his internal governance didn’t resonate with every French individual, culminating in the rise of the “yellow vests” demonstration movement in 2018. The movement’s inception was a response to the hike in carbon fuel levies. Yet, their array of socio-economic grievances broadened.

The movement’s zenith was in December 2019. The nation witnessed extensive demonstrations opposing the proposed pension alterations, drawing over 150,000 protestors. To quell the turbulence, Macron had to retract his proposal to elevate the retirement threshold to 64.

A subsequent discord emerged from Macron’s ambition to cultivate an “enlightened Islam” within the nation. Turkish President Recep Erdogan lambasted Emmanuel Macron for purported animosity towards Muslims, suggesting the French leader seek mental health intervention. Conversely, Donald Trump endorsed Macron, affirming the US’s alignment with the French leader in combating Islamic radicalism.

In May 2020, Macron engaged in a virtual dialogue with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The discourse predominantly revolved around the EU’s post-pandemic economic resurgence. An agreement was reached to establish a €500 billion reservoir, earmarked for sectors and regions most impacted by COVID-19.

On the educational front, Emmanuel accentuated the need for France to draw inspiration from the German model. Furthermore, in September 2020, the nation’s leader articulated an intent to prohibit homeschooling, with exceptions solely for health-related reasons. Macron believed this initiative would counteract separatist Islamic ideologies, especially among the youth.

The French leader boasts an intriguing romantic tale. During his academic days, Emmanuel developed feelings for his French literature teacher, Brigitte Trogneux. The age gap of 24 years, her existing marriage, and her three offspring — Sébastien, Laurence, and Tiphaine, contemporaries of Emmanuel, didn’t deter his affections. Brigitte, recognizing the gifted youth, collaborated with him on school theatrical scripts.

Upon discovering their son’s deep affection, his guardians swiftly relocated him to pursue his education in Paris. Despite their attempts to suppress his fervent emotions, Emmanuel pledged to wed his cherished one unconditionally. Over a span of 13 years, letters exchanged between the duo, even as the dashing Emmanuel was surrounded by potential suitors. By 2007, Brigitte, then divorced, accepted Macron’s proposal, solidifying their bond.

Brigitte hails from a prosperous chocolatier family in Amiens. She’s often lauded as one of Europe’s most elegant first ladies — even fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld praised her sophisticated style. At formal gatherings, the pair — Macron standing at 173 cm and Brigitte at 168 cm — present a graceful image. They often retreat to their Touquet residence, purchased the year they wed. Macron’s life is incomplete without Brigitte, showcasing his profound bond with her.

Like numerous influential individuals, Emmanuel faced controversial whispers, hinting at a non-conventional preference. Such innuendos surfaced during crucial political junctures, likely fueled by rivals. While such insinuations irked Macron, he was more perturbed about Brigitte’s distress, as she was genuinely upset by such tales.

Throughout his electoral journey, Brigitte remained a steadfast presence, evident from myriad online images. Emmanuel asserts that while Brigitte steers clear of political intricacies, she remains his paramount confidante on national matters.

Leisure pursuits elude the president. On rare respites, he escapes to Touquet commune alongside Brigitte. Macron cherishes moments with Brigitte’s grandkids and has a fondness for creatures, evident from his pet, a black Labrador Retriever-Griffon named Nemo.

The onset of 2022 posed challenges for the French head. In early February, Emmanuel embarked on trips to Moscow and Kyiv for prearranged discussions with respective nation leaders. His conversation with Vladimir Putin spanned several hours, addressing Ukraine’s deviation from the Minsk accords, a topic broached during Joe Biden and Putin’s Geneva meet in 2021.

Subsequent to Moscow, Macron journeyed to Kyiv’s Mariinsky Palace, marking the first French presidential visit since Jacques Chirac in 1998. Talks revolved around Paris’s support for Kyiv. Later, amidst escalating Russia-Ukraine tensions, Macron frequently liaised with Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky. By March, as the US and EU levied sanctions on Moscow, Macron not only endorsed this stance but championed stricter measures.

Come April, France’s presidential race commenced. Macron’s primary adversary, Marine Le Pen, once more vied for the top spot. Post the initial voting phase, both contenders secured sufficient votes for the subsequent round, where Macron clinched victory.

On July 6, 2023, President Emmanuel Macron became the subject of controversial remarks made by Izia Higelin during a concert, where she mentioned “hanging” him. Higelin later clarified that her comments were not meant literally. The incident occurred amidst tensions in France following the police shooting of 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk. Due to her remarks, Higelin’s concert scheduled for July 13 in Marcq-en-Baroeul was canceled, and authorities initiated an investigation into her statements for potential “public incitement to commit a crime or offense.”