Macron says he will 'no longer engage in politics' after leaving Élysée in 2027
Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- French President Emmanuel Macron stated he will not engage in politics after leaving the Élysée Palace in 2027.
- Macron acknowledged the difficulty of the final stretch of his presidency, balancing past achievements with the need to address past failures.
- He reflected on his motivations for entering politics, emphasizing his passion for his country and Europe.
During an official visit to Cyprus, President Emmanuel Macron made a notable declaration to students at the Franco-Cypriot school in Nicosia: he intends to step away from politics entirely upon concluding his second term in 2027. This statement, made during an exchange about his presidential aspirations, suggests a desire for a post-political life after a decade in the highest office. Macron candidly admitted that the latter part of his presidency has been particularly challenging, requiring him to defend his record while simultaneously finding the energy to rectify past shortcomings.
I didn't do politics before and I won't do it after.
He elaborated on his journey into the presidency, explaining that his initial motivation stemmed from a deep love for his country and a desire to enact change. Launching a political movement and subsequently seeking the presidency, he stated, was driven by a belief in his ideas and the potential to accelerate progress for France and Europe. This reflects a consistent theme in his political career: a blend of national ambition and a broader European vision.
What is hardest after nine years is that you have to keep what you did well and try to go further but you sometimes have to take up things you did badly.
Macron's reflection on his political future, while personal, also carries implications for the French political landscape. His assertion that he will not pursue further political endeavors after 2027 signals a potential shift in his public role. The French media, as represented by Le Figaro, often focuses on the President's strategic positioning and public pronouncements. Macron's words here, delivered in a seemingly candid moment, are likely to be analyzed for their underlying messages about his legacy and future influence, even outside formal politics.
I have always loved my country and I have always been interested in the life of my country but that doesn't make you a president.
Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.