Emmanuel Macron's presidency has been one of the most consequential and debated periods in recent French politics. As France prepares for a post-Macron era, questions remain about his political legacy, the strength of the political centre, and the challenges facing the country. This course examines France from the global financial crisis through to the end of Macron's presidency. Participants will explore economic performance, social change, European Union issues, public responses to reform, and the shifting fortunes of major political movements across the left, centre and right. The course also considers the rise of opposition parties, the changing political landscape, and the factors shaping future presidential elections. Through discussion of key developments and competing interpretations, participants will gain a deeper understanding of contemporary France and its place within Europe.

DELIVERY MODE

Face to face

COURSE RESOURCES

• Time Magazine, 9 September 2025, How Macron Failed France, Cole Stangler
• Time Magazine, 29 July 2026, “France Addresses the UN,” Tiago Ventura
• Time Magazine, 9 September, 2026, Vote of No Confidence in the French Government, Miranda Keyaretnam

COURSE OUTLINE

• France 2008-2026 and response to the GFC of 2008
• Election of Macron in 2017 and election manifesto, events in EU and impact
• First term of Macrons presidency 2017 -2022 and economic challenges
• Second term of Macron’s presidency 2022-2027, economic and social challenges
• Opposition parties and hollowing out of the centrist coalition by 2026
• Presidential elections April-May 2027 and the major political parties

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Form an opinion about the legacy of the ten year Presidency of Emmanuel Macron
• Gain an understanding of the major challenges which faced the President over his ten years in office