French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to detail his plans for the remaining two years of his term in a two-hour television appearance on Tuesday, May 13, starting at 8:10 pm on TF1. During the appearance, Macron will address the French people, debate with prominent figures, and answer questions submitted by ordinary citizens. TF1 stated that the president will be surrounded by over 100 square meters of screens and will engage with figures from civil society, both in the studio and via video.
The participants set to engage with Macron range from Sophie Binet, the head of the CGT union, to Tibo Inshape, a popular fitness influencer. Macron’s appearance will provide an opportunity to defend his record and outline his future agenda.
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One potential major announcement could be a referendum aimed at increasing citizen involvement in politics, particularly in light of the rise of the far-right. Media reports suggest that the referendum could address multiple issues – likely three – on a single day this year, ranging from assisted dying and screen use for those under 15 to more politically charged topics like the budget or immigration. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau estimated that such a poll would cost €200 million using paper voting or €100 million if conducted digitally.
The TV show, titled “Emmanuel Macron – the challenges for France” and hosted by Gilles Bouleau, marks a new format for the president. Macron, who assumed office in 2017 promising significant change for France, will step down in 2027 after serving the maximum two terms allowed by the Constitution. After his decision to hold snap legislative elections last summer, which resulted in the far-right becoming the largest party in parliament and his own party holding a diminished minority presence, Macron has occasionally appeared as a lame duck. However, recent months have seen a revitalized Macron, bolstered by international successes and his cordial relationship with US President Donald Trump as he seeks a just peace for Ukraine following the Russian invasion.
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