In an attempt to battle the exponential rise of right-wing power in France, French President Emmanuel Macron has carved out an agenda that appeals to general voters, including a focus on law and order, education, and pro-business policies. 

In a statement, Macron said his intentions point to maintaining the French identity, for "France to stay France". 

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What is on Macron's agenda

Appealing to middle-class voters, Macron promised to nurture businesses by minimizing red tape policies and regulations. He also confirmed that tax cuts would be implemented for mid-income earners. This essentially targets workers who earn fairly humble wages to earn a tax cut, but too much to earn governmental aid. Macron said the policy clears France's blind spot among workers who "earn too much to get help but not enough to live well."

The French President also addressed the rising rates of infertility in France, as a result of work and pay policies. In this context, Macron revealed that a national program would be established to counter infertility, appropriate parental leaves would be given, and adequate pay for six months post-birth would be granted. 

Macron additionally revealed his policy toward Ukraine, saying that Paris will be supplying Kiev with the needed military equipment and aid amid US and EU hurdles to "safeguard the security of Europe." France has been one of Ukraine's faithful allies throughout the war with Russia and will continue to be, according to Macron. He intends to visit Ukraine to finalize plans and military packages.

Cooperating with the United Kingdom, Macron and UK PM Rishi Sunak revealed the countries' plans to assist Ukraine in launching a counteroffensive.

The French President also discussed children's affairs, from education to screen time. 

Macron reportedly met with scientists to discuss the adequate age at which children can be exposed to screens, as well as how screens can be utilized in the most efficient means among children. He aims to sustain the well-being of children, but also maintain French familial interconnectedness. 

Targeting educational reform, Macron's plans consist of experimenting with mandatory uniforms and costumes in a sample of 100 schools. He also said new curricula would include teaching all students the French national anthem, adding civic instruction classes, and accessible theatre classes to all juniors. 

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Macron's wavering political values 

However, Macron has, on various occasions, raised skepticism regarding just how much of a left-winger he is. 

In actor Gerard Depardieu's rape scandal, Macron extended his support and insisted on assuming innocence before a final verdict comes out. He described the case against Depardieu as a "manhunt", inciting intense backlash from the public, as well as feminist and left-wing politicians. Macron then opted to reiterate his stance and declare that he has no regrets. 

In an attempt to polish his image, Macron then stated, “If I have one regret, it is not stressing enough the importance of the words of women who are victims of this type of violence.”

Previously, French President Emmanuel Macron was accused by equality campaigners of not keeping his promise to stop violence against women and girls after the government kept a new minister accused of rape by two women.

The Observatory of Sexist and Sexual Violence in Politics led feminists who organized a street rally in Paris against what they described as a “government of shame," after the minister for solidarity and people with disabilities, Damien Abad, was kept in his job despite the rape accusations against him.

Macron’s centrist party stood by a parliamentary candidate in Dordogne, Jérôme Peyrat, who had been convicted of domestic violence, which caused outrage in the country. Peyrat was found guilty of violence against his former partner in September 2020. 

Is Gabriel Attal a true leftist? 

This comes as a way to attract voters and sway them away from right-wing candidate Marine Le Pen, who currently leads the largest opposition bloc in parliament. Macron is considered to be France's left-leaning politician and has been implementing reforms that reiterate his placement on the political spectrum. 

Recently, Macron appointed Gabriel Attal as Prime Minister, making him France's youngest-ever PM. 

Attal is considered to have socialist values and is one of the few strictly left-leaning French politicians. 

However, his policies blur his political values and identity, as he shows support for more conservative, right-swinging regulations. 

For example, Attal supports France's notoriously Islamophobic policy of disallowing hijabs and abayas on school premises. During his reign as education minister, he also planned to institute strict school uniforms to force Muslim students against wearing their veils and abayas. 

His cabinet is also notably courting more right-wingers than any other government during Macron's presidency. 

Political analyst Antoine Bristielle said this persona aligns with Macronism, as in the ability to present oneself as a leftist but still be able to attract right-wingers and speak in their favor.