Macron's Farce: When 'Democracy' Means Ignoring the Voters
The New Arab points out Emmanuel Macron’s political 'farce,' highlighting his unpopular pension reforms pushed through without a parliamentary vote using Article 49.3 of the French Constitution. While commentators express concern over France's political stability, this isn't simply a 'lame-duck' problem. It's the modus operandi of a president who, according to a 2023 Odoxa poll, saw approval
ratings plummet to 32% after forcing through the pension changes, yet refuses to acknowledge the widespread public discontent that has included mass protests and strikes. Instead of genuinely grappling with democratic deficits, the narrative frames it as a leader struggling to lead. One might wonder, how many times can a 'democratic' leader bypass the legislature and public will before it’s no
longer a 'farce' but a fundamental restructuring of power? The media often avoids asking why unpopular leaders remain in power, or how institutions are twisted to serve the executive rather than the electorate.