Emmanuel Macron

Emmanuel Macron upended France’s political system by founding a new centrist political party and becoming the youngest head of state in modern French history with his 2017 election to the Élysée Palace. A former economy minister, he would go on to serve two terms. 

Macron’s first term focused on economic and social reform, including changes to labour laws, taxation and a deeply unpopular revision of the pension system. A tax hike on fuel, seen as disproportionately affecting farmers and the poor, sparked the Yellow Vest protests and exposed deep societal divisions.

Re-elected in 2022, Macron’s second term has been marked by international challenges – including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the war in Gaza and efforts to strengthen Europe’s security posture – that have strengthened his international profile. 

Domestically, Macron faces a fragmented political landscape and the absence of a parliamentary majority. His 2024 decision to trigger snap elections only further entrenched France’s political divides.