The French presidential election: an (E)U-turn in the making? EPC Commentary, 4 May 2017

Huguenot-Noël, Robin (2017) The French presidential election: an (E)U-turn in the making? EPC Commentary, 4 May 2017. [Policy Paper]

PDF - Published Version Download (260Kb)

Abstract

In most European capitals, France’s decision to put Emmanuel Macron ahead in the first round of the presidential election was taken as a reassurance that France would continue to contribute to the European integration process. But the first round also featured a historical rejection of the country’s two mainstream parties. What does this result tell us about the future of populism in France? How is this likely to influence the country’s priorities on the EU agenda and the position of its partners? Macron’s victory would certainly represent a revolution for France’s role within the Union, but the lingering possibility of a French (E)U-turn could well be the real game changer coming out of this election.

Actions (login required)