Following President Emmanuel Macron’s snap election call last summer, which resulted in a divided French Parliament, his name frequently came up in the context of calls for his resignation. He had been criticized as unpopular and aloof, leading to expectations of him serving out the remainder of his term as a lame duck. However, the actions of President Trump have shifted this narrative. Trump’s abrupt reversal of traditionally friendly policies toward Europe, including withdrawal of support for Ukraine and siding with Russia, has left European leaders in a state of panic. This development has propelled Macron into the spotlight as a potential leader for Europe’s united response to stand against Russia’s aggression.

Previously, Macron’s warnings about the “imminent brain death” of NATO were dismissed as alarmist. However, Trump’s actions have made Macron’s calls for European independence and strategic autonomy more relevant. His idea of a “European pillar” within NATO and discussions of increased military support for Ukraine have gained traction. While some allies have questioned Macron’s leadership aspirations, polls in France indicate a significant increase in the president’s approval rating, reflecting public support for his stance on European defense and continued support for Ukraine. Despite financial and diplomatic hurdles, Macron’s vision seems to be aligning with the urgent need for Europe to assert itself as an independent force in global affairs.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/13/world/europe/macron-europe.html