French President Emmanuel Macron has ended 2025 facing what many observers describe as the most difficult year of his presidency, marked by deep domestic turmoil, collapsing public support, and mounting political paralysis, even as he seeks to project French influence abroad through active diplomacy on Ukraine.
Macron’s approval rating has plunged to historic lows, falling from 57% at the start of his first term to just 11% in November, according to recent polls. His presidency has been battered by repeated political crises, difficulty passing major reforms—most notably pension reform—and frequent government reshuffles that have reinforced perceptions of instability at the heart of the French state.
Analysts increasingly compare Macron’s current predicament to the most turbulent period of the Fifth Republic, established by Charles de Gaulle between 1958 and 1962, when institutional tensions and political fragmentation dominated national life.
Domestic Pressures Mount
At home, Macron faces a fragmented parliament, public anger over living costs and social reforms, and a growing sense of institutional fatigue. Efforts to push through structural changes have repeatedly stalled, while protests and political resistance have eroded his authority and limited his room for maneuver.
The constant reshaping of his cabinet has further fueled criticism that the presidency lacks a coherent domestic strategy at a time of deep social and economic anxiety.
Ukraine Diplomacy and Global Role
Despite mounting domestic challenges, Macron is seeking to preserve France’s standing on the international stage. He has announced plans to host a key meeting in Paris in early January bringing together allies of Ukraine to discuss security guarantees for Kyiv as part of any potential peace agreement with Russia.
In a post on X, Macron said the meeting would gather members of what he described as a “coalition of the willing” to assess concrete contributions by each country, as France pushes for what it calls a just and lasting peace.
This initiative follows a recent meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump in Florida. While Trump expressed optimism about resolving the conflict, he remained cautious about the timeline. Zelenskyy has also received renewed assurances of support from European leaders, Canada, and officials from the European Union and NATO.
A Presidency at a Crossroads
The contrast between Macron’s weakened domestic position and his assertive foreign policy underscores the complexity of his presidency. Internally, France is grappling with unprecedented political discontent and institutional strain. Externally, Macron is attempting to position France as a central actor in shaping Europe’s security future.
As 2026 approaches, analysts say Macron faces a decisive test: whether he can balance escalating internal pressures with demanding international commitments. Many warn that the depth of France’s social and political challenges could prove decisive in determining the remainder of his presidency and his ability to maintain leadership both at home and abroad.
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