He created expectation, he offered his silence. For the traditional ceremonies of July 14, Emmanuel Macron chose not to engage in the traditional television interview in front of the French. Almost a habit in reality since since his first election, in 2017, the President of the Republic has only engaged in it twice. In 2020, after confinement, and when the Covid epidemic was not yet under control. In 2022, after his re-election, and when Russia had tried to invade Ukraine five months earlier.
Strong moments, therefore, that the Head of State seems to place, by his silence, above the recent riots which have hit the country. Emmanuel Macron will speak, however. He committed to it on April 17 by launching his “hundred days” sequence to appease the country after the conflicting pension reform. At the time, the Head of State had assured that he would return to the French around July 14 for a “first assessment” of the three major projects launched then. The first on work, to reconnect with the unions and launch discussions on wages, in particular.
After months of deaf dialogue because of pensions, the unions resumed dialogue last week with Élisabeth Borne to address these subjects. The second project focused on justice and the republican order. The head of state had notably undertaken to strengthen the control of illegal immigration and had promised “strong announcements” against delinquency. Last project, finally, that of education and health with the promise to “unclog” all emergency services by the end of 2024. On the political side, Emmanuel Macron had also asked his Prime Minister, Elisabeth Terminal, to continue to work to expand the majority. But, as a year ago after the legislative elections, the Republicans are still reluctant to get closer to the head of state.
It is on all these aspects that Emmanuel Macron is expected, but not only. Silent since the riots, he has still not given his reading of the event, preferring to take the time to consult before speaking. The subject of the reshuffle is still in the air, too, with the fate of Elisabeth Borne in suspense. Here again, it is a question of how the President of the Republic responds to the demand for order which intensified in the country after the riots.
Of all this, Emmanuel Macron let nothing shine through on Friday, kindly greeting his ministers in the gallery where he attended the military parade alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Next year, the traditional parade will take place between Vincennes and Place de la Nation, due to the Olympic Games.
Only an “error” of protocol tarnished the day when the Prime Minister found herself placed far from the President in the gallery, contrary to custom. But, concerning a possible reshuffle, the members of the government will still have to endure the expectation of the forthcoming intervention of the Head of State. And it can last. From a strictly accounting point of view, the period of “hundred days” opened by Emmanuel Macron on April 17 will end on July 26. In twelve days.
