Even close allies of the French president fear aligning with him ahead of snap elections, the outlet has reported
According to Bloomberg, citing sources, allies of French President Emmanuel Macron may distance themselves from him in the upcoming snap elections as his dwindling popularity has made him a “toxic brand.”
The Elysee Palace communication team has acknowledged that they have “no polls or data to suggest candidates should publicly align themselves with Macron to retain their seats,” the outlet reported on Wednesday, citing attendees of an emergency meeting of high-ranking French government officials.
Following Macron’s announcement of snap elections earlier this month, numerous lawmakers who initially supported him are now urging him to maintain a “low profile” due to his increasingly “erratic” behavior, Bloomberg reported.
Even prominent figures like French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire and Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, once considered Macron’s closest allies, are keeping their distance, the outlet stated.
Most pro-government candidates have opted to exclude the president’s image from their campaign posters and leaflets because the Macron brand is considered toxic, Bloomberg added. An individual close to the president asserted that the absence of his image in these materials is normal, arguing that the focus of the election is on the parliament, not the presidency.
During an appearance on Monday on the ‘Generation Do It Yourself’ podcast, Macron warned that the upcoming legislative elections in France could lead to civil war if the far right or the leftist bloc secures a majority.
Macron insisted that only his centrist ruling coalition can prevent such a scenario, arguing that both the right-wing National Rally party and the left-wing France Unbowed party have promoted divisive policies that fuel tensions.
Macron’s popularity has taken a significant hit in recent months, and opinion polls indicate that his party is trailing far behind the National Rally.
Macron, who has positioned himself as a leading supporter of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, has suggested the possibility of deploying French – and other Western – troops to the battlefield. Jordan Bardella, the leader of the National Rally, recently stated that if he becomes prime minister, he will not send troops or long-range missiles to Ukraine, describing such actions as “very clear red lines.”
Earlier this month, Macron dissolved the country’s parliament and called for snap elections after the National Rally party decisively defeated his ruling coalition in the European Parliament elections. He has pledged to remain as president until his five-year term ends in 2027, but an opposition-controlled legislature and government would drastically alter the balance of power.
The first round of the elections is scheduled for Sunday, while the second round is set for July 7.