After a year 2022 dominated by the war in Ukraine, inflation and the energy crisis, the new year may be just as difficult for Emmanuel Macron who will present his wishes for 2023 this Saturday, December 31 at 8 p.m.
Fuel allowance, Navigo pass… What changes on January 1, 2023 in transport
Failing to be able to promise the rapid end of the war in Ukraine and the imminent ebb of inflation, Emmanuel Macron should send the French a message “unity and trust”.
The Head of State, who spent a few days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve at Fort de Brégançon – the presidential residence on the Côte d’Azur, knows that this return to school promises to be perilous, both socially and politically.
The risk of a social explosion
On January 10, his government must unveil the pension reform project, the flagship of his program during his re-election in the spring. Will he confirm the postponement of the retirement age to 65 years, or will he opt for a compromise solution, with for example a decline to 64 years coupled with an acceleration of the extension of the contribution period ?
Whatever formula is chosen, it should displease the unions, who are determined to fight in the streets against any age measure – without it being possible, at this stage, to predict whether this mobilization will combine with other anger to turn into a social explosion.
Pension reform: why Macron wants to impose it
After outbreaks of fever around fuel in the fall, then at the SNCF and among general practitioners during the holidays, the executive is watching for the spark that could stir up a major social movement.
In his televised address, Emmanuel Macron should not go into the details of the arbitrations, nor dwell on other risky reforms, such as that of immigration, expected at the start of the year.
War in Ukraine and inflation continue
2022 will have been a busy year, with the outbreak of war in Ukraine and its repercussions on energy prices and therefore on the wallets of the French, put to the test even though they are still suffering the upheavals of the pandemic. of Covid-19.
When Macron wants to give security guarantees to… Russia
However, at the dawn of 2023, the deadly conflict in Europe does not seem to find a way out, despite the calls for a long-term negotiation with Russia that Emmanuel Macron will perhaps repeat this Saturday evening. And inflation is not about to slow down, while the threat of power cuts over the winter is not yet over.
Faced with this dark landscape, “the president will be keen to send the French people a message of unity and confidence”we explain to AFP in his entourage.
Defend your balance sheet despite the crises
A constant of this exercise of wishes that the Head of State pronounces for the sixth time – the first of the second five-year term. This is the presidential antiphon: the occupant of 55, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré would like to instill a little more optimism and consensus in this France which, under his leadership, has gone through a number of crises of all kinds.
At the Elysée, it is pointed out that it is the country of the European Union with the lowest inflation, that growth is resisting and that unemployment continues to fall. “All of this is possible because of the public policies that are carried out but also because the French have responded”pleads an adviser.
In the same way, without having succeeded in forming a coalition or formal alliances after the half-hearted victory in the June legislative elections, the executive believes that it has overcome the threat of parliamentary blockage. “France and the reforms continue to move forward even with a relative majority”welcomes a member of the presidential camp.
His wishes to health actors
Emmanuel Macron could briefly outline the other important projects of his second term, such as school reform or the overhaul of a health system that is out of breath. As a sign of the priority nature of this last file, the president will send his wishes to health actors next week to chart the course of his project.
The Head of State must finally reassure those who, in his camp, take stock ” contrast “ macronism, like the Renaissance deputy Gilles Le Gendre.
He should certainly attract criticism from the opposition, from the left to the far right, including Les Républicains, who are also anxious to be offensive for the new year.
