Emmanuel Macron: From political outsider to president

The day after he won the first round of this election, Emmanuel Macron found himself in a shouting match with a dental assistant.

To be fair, only one of them was actually shouting and it wasn’t Macron, but the exchange between them, in the old mining town of Denain, reveals the trait that propelled the French president to power five years ago. It’s the very same trait that has set many voters against him now.

Elodie, the dental assistant, was furious. She shouted about the president’s “insulting” language in describing those who remained unvaccinated against Covid.

Macron told her she had taken his words the wrong way. Elodie shouted about taxes and rising prices.

He said he’d lowered taxes and she wasn’t being fair.

“You’ve lowered taxes?” she responded, incredulous. “Have you been to the petrol station yourself? How much do you earn each month?”

“I don’t control the global market,” Macron replied. “We just won’t agree,” Elodie concluded.

“But it’s important I explain,” Macron said.

The French president has always believed he has the answer to the country’s problems. And that, if only he can explain his thinking to others, they will see that too.

That self-belief has led to many long speeches, a tough approach to protesters – and a perception among some people that Macron just won’t listen.

To know more: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61153875