Macron takes a jab at two-term limit on French presidency
2 Min Read
The French President condemns the two-term constitutional limit that requires him to step down in 2027, claiming that it somehow diminishes the freedom of sovereign voters.
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An undated photo of French President Emmanuel Macron (AFP via Getty Images)
French President Emmanuel Macron has slammed the two-term constitutional limit that means he must step down in 2027, stating that he has no plans to alter it. However, he claims that the restriction of two consecutive presidential terms "takes away some of the freedom" of voters.
"It doesn't necessarily mean that I would like to run for a third term, but when we put prohibitions in the law, we somehow take away some of the freedom of sovereign voters," he said, as quoted by the French newspaper Tribune.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Macron said that he wasn't aiming to modify the nation's constitution but emphasized that it is "always better to leave the choice to the voters."
The big picture
Two participants involved in Macron's discussions with political party representatives last September reported that he conveyed a view that "not being able to be reelected is ruinously stupid." Macron used this expression when responding to a suggestion from Jordan Bardella, the leader of the far-right National Rally party, about implementing a single seven-year presidential term. In reaction to criticism from the opposition, Macron's party suggested that the President's remark was likely made in jest.
Macron, who assumed office as French president in 2017, will conclude his second term in 2027. According to the French constitution, a president is restricted from serving more than two consecutive five-year terms.
French politics shaped by Ukraine war
In France's politically divided landscape, Russia's war with Ukraine has become a significant and contentious issue.
Macron has been stressing the need for increased backing for Ukraine, sparking controversy last week by not dismissing the possibility of deploying Western troops to the region.
In a seeming reaction to Macron's statements, Putin cautioned about the genuine threat of nuclear conflict.
The upcoming European elections are viewed as a crucial step leading up to France's presidential election in 2027. Le Pen is anticipated to make her fourth attempt for the presidency, while Macron is ineligible to run again due to term restrictions.
Read more: Has Macron made a fool of himself at Western leaders' Ukraine meeting?
