Macron Speaks On Autumn 'Initiative', EU Expansion, 2027 Election Risks

Mujtaba Rahman at Eurasia Group posts on X regarding an interview from President Emmanuel Macron given to Le Point, select comments below: "Macron had already announced a “major political initiative” for next week. [...] In practice, that'll mean another attempt to enlarge the centrist, pro-Macron forces in National Assembly to encompass ad hoc support from centre-right & centre-left on immigration, deficit-cutting, employment, education, health, strengthening families, regulating social media. [...]. Macron says he is determined to push ahead with his reforms whatever happens. [...] He will, if necessary, turn to the emergency powers that he used to push through pension reform this year."

• "On enlargement of the EU, Macron [...] repeats and refines the old French belief in a Europe of concentric circles. Europe should not be a “monolithic block” but have 3 tiers, he says. These are a “core EU” bold enough to integrate further; the European single market; & the looser, wider new European Political Community, [...]."
• "Without mentioning Le Pen by name, he also hints that he is concerned about what may follow him when his 2nd (and last) mandate ends on 2027. It is v important, he says, that his centrist “bulwark” should continue under one agreed candidate. (At present there are at least 4) “If we are divided, we may fail to make the 2nd round. [...] We must ensure our unity. And that’s also my responsibility”.