Macron's Policy Shift in France: Focusing on Education and Boosting Birth Rate

French President Emmanuel Macron has made a significant shift towards right-wing policies, according to a televised press conference he held on Tuesday. During the conference, Macron expressed support for school uniforms, cracking down on drug gangs, and addressing France's declining birth rate. Left-wing commentators criticized his departure from the balanced political stance he had previously maintained. Although some on the right praised his apparent alignment with their views, they questioned his sincerity. The press conference, lasting two and a half hours, served as an opportunity for Macron to outline his agenda for the final three years of his presidency. It occurred after the appointment of Gabriel Attal, the youngest prime minister in French history, leading a noticeably more right-wing government. Macron's remarks indicated that he aimed to counter the rise of the far-right National Rally party in upcoming European elections. He emphasized the importance of instilling French Republican values in schoolchildren through a concept he referred to as "civic rearmament." Macron proposed implementing school uniforms, teaching the national anthem, holding diploma ceremonies, and introducing a mandatory civic service for 16-year-olds. He also pledged to address France's falling birth rate through measures such as increased access to fertility treatments and a more generous parental leave system. These policies have been associated with "reactionary" governments, like Viktor Orban's in Hungary, but Macron sought to adopt them. Le Figaro, a conservative newspaper, praised Macron for aligning more closely with public expectations. However, Libération, a left-wing publication, described his vision as "outdated and conservative," and Le Monde accused him of flirting with nostalgic sentiments. Despite his comprehensive approach during the press conference, Macron risked appearing verbose and lacking substantial content. Marine Le Pen, the leader of the National Rally party, dismissed the conference as "yet another interminable jabber."