Brigitte Macron, the First Lady of France, has recently shared her candid perspectives on the future of her husband, President Emmanuel Macron, as he nears the end of his second term in 2027. Speaking during interviews on RTL radio, she expressed doubts about whether he could truly leave politics behind, asking, "Can one stop politics? Who are the politicians who have ever stopped politics?" This reflection indicates not only her intimate knowledge of the political field but also her concern for Emmanuel's future and well-being.
Brigitte noted how much her husband works and her hopes for him to take time off after his presidency. "I would like him to stop working; he works all the time," she stated. She reflected on the need for Emmanuel to decompress, especially after the adrenaline-filled atmosphere of political life. During the interviews, she articulated, "For the moment he is so busy. I think he needs time to focus on what he will do next, especially after so much adrenaline." This highlights her desire for him to recharge and to explore new ventures beyond political life.
Emmanuel Macron’s presidency has often been intertwined with public scrutiny, which Brigitte admits takes its toll on him personally. "I feel him extremely hurt by what he hears about himself," she shared, emphasizing the emotional strain accompanied by being the President. This statement underlines the reality of being a public figure, where constant criticism can severely affect mental health. Brigitte articulated her shock at the severity of comments made online: "How can one verbally assassinate people like this?" Such remarks reflect the distress she feels not only for her husband but for the state of public discourse as well.
Brigitte expressed her deep concern about the information warfare taking place on social media platforms, stating, "It is necessary to educate on networks." Her worries were exacerbated by recent decisions from tech leaders, such as Mark Zuckerberg’s ending of the fact-checking program. This made her voice her need for social media platforms to develop safeguards: "Please find antidotes to misinformation; it is imperative to protect users, especially minors." Her call to action emphasizes the need to tackle the pernicious impact of online discourse, especially for vulnerable populations.
During her time on RTL and TF1, she also discussed the operation "Yellow Coins," which aims to raise funds for hospitalized children. This initiative serves not only as charitable outreach but also highlights her commitment to social issues. Brigitte's role extends beyond being the First Lady; she acts actively to shine light on significant causes. She mentioned, "By helping the younger generation, we can create positive change. We must support our children, who are the future of our society." This statement resonates with many who appreciate the need to prioritize youth welfare.
The First Lady’s aforementioned comments about Emmanuel’s work habits and emotional disposition are deeply intertwined. Brigitte remarked, "He remains absolutely concerned about everything," indicating his dedication to serving the French people. This level of commitment, though admirable, forms the basis of her wish for him to find balance post-2027. She cites his capacity to write extensively during his term and hinted at possible future publications. "He has written so much; perhaps one day it will be published," she noted, possibly alluding to editorial work where he could channel his experiences constructively.
Despite her concerns, Brigitte remained optimistic about the future, emphasizing the value of reflection and personal growth after such intense public life. With no definitive plans announced from Emmanuel Macron, Brigitte remained hopeful he would find direction moving forward: "There will be time for him to think about what lies next." Their relationship illuminates the strong bond they share, underscored by support and affection amid public and personal challenges.
Brigitte Macron's insights are emblematic of the balancing act faced by political families—navigated through the lens of public opinion, personal stress, and the desire for integrity. With her husband’s presidency not quite over, discussions about Emmanuel’s future abound, but it remains clear: the couple will continually support each other through whatever lies head, politically or otherwise.