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Brigitte Macron reveals profound sadness from Élysée years, citing online harassment

From Le Figaro · (6h ago) French Critical tone

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Brigitte Macron expressed deep sadness and a sense of having witnessed the world's darkness during her husband's nine years in the Élysée Palace.
  • She revealed that online harassment, including the spread of false information about her gender and age gap with the president, has significantly impacted her.
  • Macron stated that writing helps her cope with these difficult emotions and experiences.

In an interview with La Tribune Dimanche, Brigitte Macron shared a candid reflection on the profound personal toll of her time at the Élysée Palace. The First Lady, who will depart in 2027 after Emmanuel Macron's second term, described experiencing a level of sadness she had not known before entering the presidential residence. "I have seen the darkness of the world, the stupidity, the meanness," she stated, contrasting it with her previous life as a teacher with its own set of ups and downs.

I have seen the darkness of the world, the stupidity, the meanness. I am sometimes sadder than I have ever been.

— Brigitte MacronDescribing her personal experience during her husband's time in the Élysée Palace.

Macron detailed the intense nature of the past decade, admitting to moments of pessimism and difficulty in finding joy, symbolized by her struggle to "see the blue sky." This emotional burden is compounded by the relentless online harassment she has faced. The article highlights the legal battles against cyberbullies who spread malicious rumors and misinformation, particularly concerning her gender identity and age difference with the President. The recent convictions of some of these individuals, though offering a measure of justice, underscore the pervasive nature of online abuse.

It is sometimes difficult for me to see the blue sky... I have moments of pessimism that I did not have before.

— Brigitte MacronReflecting on her emotional state and the impact of her public life.

Despite the hardships, Brigitte Macron finds solace in writing, describing it as a significant coping mechanism. This personal revelation offers a glimpse into the private struggles behind the public facade of the French presidency. While international coverage often focuses on political developments, this interview from Le Figaro emphasizes the human cost and emotional landscape of life at the highest levels of power, a perspective deeply felt within France.

writing my thoughts helps me a lot.

— Brigitte MacronExplaining her coping mechanism for dealing with online harassment and difficult emotions.
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Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.