2024-10-31 03:06:00
From Morocco, Emmanuel Macron played his own lawyer on Wednesday. The Head of State in fact defended his method “at the same time”, for which he is often criticized, stating that it was necessary not to give in to the “ukases” of comfort nor give in to the “evil winds”.
“You know, I am a great supporter of the principle ‘at the same time,’” the president told Morocco’s French community in Rabat.
Macron doesn’t see it as ‘a refusal to choose’
«Many think that “at the same time” is ambiguity or refusal to choose. It’s a big mistake to think so,” added the Elysée resident. “It is a refusal to give in to the ukase of simplification in an increasingly complex world,” he said, pointing to a world with “plural identities” that “take nothing away” from each other. “And whatever bad winds blow, don’t give up because I believe they don’t resemble France either in its history, nor in its present, nor in its future,” he concluded without elaborating further.
Emmanuel Macron has shaped his speech and political action around two concepts, “at the same time” and “overcoming” between left and right.
The contrast of Elisabeth Borne
In his recent work Twenty months in Matignonthe former prime minister is instead critical of these concepts. Élisabeth Borne judges in particular that the notion of “overtaking” right-left “proves to be more structuring than that of “at the same time” which can end up causing us to lose direction”. According to her, “this “at the same time”, this way of reconciling totally opposite positions, is not without dangers”.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Analyst Dr. Elena Rousseau on Macron’s Recent Statements in Morocco
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Rousseau! Thank you for joining us to discuss President Macron’s recent statements during his state visit to Morocco. He has often championed the phrase “at the same time.” What does this say about his leadership style?
Dr. Elena Rousseau (ER): Thank you for having me! Macron’s “at the same time” philosophy embodies a dual approach to governance that seeks to balance various perspectives and priorities. He often employs this phrase to navigate the complexities of political decisions without being constrained by binary choices. It allows him to present himself as a pragmatic leader who is willing to engage with different viewpoints.
TNE: In his comments, Macron criticized the idea of yielding to “ukases” of comfort and what he called “evil winds.” How do you interpret these metaphors?
ER: Macron’s use of metaphors like “ukases of comfort” seems to suggest he perceives a tendency in politics and society to retreat into complacency, avoiding necessary but uncomfortable decisions. The “evil winds” likely refer to disruptive forces—be they populist or extremist—that challenge the status quo. By addressing these directly, he’s positioning himself as a decisive figure who won’t shy away from tough choices, even if they may not be popular.
TNE: You mentioned the balancing of perspectives, but isn’t there a risk that this approach could lead to indecisiveness, especially in a complex political landscape?
ER: Absolutely, and this is a critique that has followed Macron throughout his presidency. Critics argue that his “at the same time” approach can indeed come off as indecisive or overly cautious. However, it can also be seen as a strategy to build consensus and avoid alienating segments of the electorate. The effectiveness of this approach often hinges on context—what may work in one situation can falter in another.
TNE: Given the context of his speech in Morocco—in front of the French community—what might this reveal about his domestic and foreign policy strategies?
ER: Speaking to the French community in Morocco underscores his focus on French citizens abroad, which plays into his broader narrative of engaging with the diaspora as a bridge to strengthen France’s influence. His critique of comfort may also reflect a call to action among French expatriates to be involved in both domestic and international issues. Furthermore, it positions him as a leader who understands the stakes involved simultaneously in France’s ongoing struggles and the geopolitical dynamics at play, especially within the Francophone world.
TNE: Do you think Macron’s approach of “at the same time” resonates with the current political climate in Europe?
ER: It’s a mixed bag. In some parts of Europe, there’s a growing appetite for decisive, binary politics, often spurred by populist movements. Yet, Macron’s model may resonate with centrist voters who are fatigued by polarization and crave more nuanced discussions. The success of his approach will depend on his ability to demonstrate tangible results that satisfy the demands of those who seek immediate responses to crises, while also addressing long-term strategic goals.
TNE: One final question—what do you expect to see from Macron moving forward, especially as he navigates these complex dynamics?
ER: Moving forward, I anticipate Macron will continue to tout the “at the same time” philosophy, especially as he seeks to polish his legacy ahead of upcoming elections. He will likely try to strike a delicate balance between addressing the immediate pressures in France and maintaining a progressive vision for Europe. The effectiveness of this balancing act will be critical in shaping public perception of his leadership in the coming months and years.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Rousseau, for your insights! It seems President Macron’s approach will indeed remain a focal point in understanding both his administration and broader European trends.
ER: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss these important topics.