A few days after the government reshuffle, President Emmanuel Macron set the guidelines for the remainder of his term in office with numerous conservative-tinged measures for a “strong France”. Macron spoke extensively about school policy in particular at a press conference that lasted more than two hours on Tuesday evening at the Elysée, at which more than 200 journalists and almost the entire government were present.
National rules on the use of screens, school uniforms, civic education and compulsory service to the nation – these are the topics that Macron is likely to have appealed primarily to conservative voters. It’s about “civilian rearmament,” explained Macron. “France must remain France,” he also said, echoing a campaign slogan of the right-wing extremist presidential candidate Eric Zemmour.
Due to a series of controversial reforms, Macron’s popularity fell significantly in his second term in office. His room for maneuver is limited because he does not have a majority in parliament. Reforms to pension and immigration policy last year in particular sparked widespread protests.
If children and young people get their information exclusively from online services, then a “whole generation of supporters of conspiracy theories threatens to grow up,” warned Macron. Based on expert recommendations, the government will set rules for the “sensible use of screens” in the family and at school.
School uniforms will initially be tested in 100 schools on a voluntary basis and possibly introduced nationwide in 2026. “Uniform clothing can eliminate inequalities between families and increase respect,” said Macron. The new Prime Minister Gabriel Attal also spoke out in favor of it during his time as Education Minister.
The president announced that civics education should be taught more in schools in the future in order to introduce students to “the important texts of the republic”. Participation in theater plays will be compulsory for middle school students in the future. “It gives you self-confidence,” said Macron, who himself played theater in his youth. He also thinks it makes sense for all elementary school students to learn the national anthem.
Service to the nation should soon be mandatory for young people, said Macron. “Every generation should learn what the Republic means.” This compulsory service has been a recurring topic since Macron took office. However, a Senate committee has determined that this will cost around two billion euros and would mean a huge logistical effort.
Macron indirectly expressed his confidence in his newly appointed Education Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra. “The choice of school is a private matter,” he emphasized, referring to the allegations against the minister, whose children attended an expensive elite school. The minister had drawn criticism because she justified this with a less than credible explanation. “She reacted clumsily and apologized,” said Macron.
When asked how Macron wanted to slow the rise of the right-wing populist party Rassemblement National (RN), Macron said: “We have to tackle what gets them votes.” These included the decline of industry and the fight against illegal immigration. “We are responding, but it is not enough,” he admitted. Macron accused the RN of making unfinanceable promises. “It is a party of lies,” said Macron.
Macron also reaffirmed his decisive nuclear policy. He said he wanted to present a plan for the construction of the next eight nuclear power plants in the summer.
The journalists present asked few questions about international issues. Macron announced a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine and new arms deliveries. He wants to present this himself in Kiev in February. France will also send around 40 Scalp missiles and hundreds of bombs to Ukraine. France does not want to take part in the US attacks against the Yemeni Houthi militia “in order to avoid an escalation,” said Macron.
Macron’s press conference was broadcast live by several broadcasters. The opposition criticized this format. “This is reminiscent of the days of state television, how the president gained access to living rooms,” said the socialist parliamentary group leader in the Senate, Patrick Kanner, to the broadcaster Public Sénat.
After the press conference, Rassemblement National boss Jordan Bardella accused Macron of getting lost in details. Green Party leader Marine Tondelier spoke of a “paternalistic and bourgeois appearance”.
Prime Minister Attal wants to make his government statement on January 30th. By then, the government is likely to be supplemented by numerous deputy ministers. For the first time in a long time, only men are at the top of seven of the most influential ministries.
