French President Emmanuel Macron has endured a difficult political summer, finding himself increasingly isolated and frustrated with the right-wing government he now oversees. The political turmoil following snap legislative elections in July led to the appointment of conservative Michel Barnier, 73, as prime minister, an outcome Macron is reportedly displeased with. Although Macron appears composed and positive in public, those close to him reveal that he is privately seething about the new political reality.

Macron, who has been in office since 2017, has experienced considerable political upheaval in recent months. Following the elections, his centre-right Renaissance party failed to secure a majority, and far-right leader Marine Le Pen’s National Rally gained ground, signaling a dramatic shift in France’s political landscape. Macron’s decision to call for early elections, prompted by the far-right’s gains in European Parliament elections in June, backfired, further weakening his political standing.

Barnier’s appointment as prime minister was the result of a power-sharing arrangement intended to stabilize the political chaos. But for Macron, this arrangement has come at a personal cost. In the new government, he has taken a back seat on domestic issues, with Barnier holding the reins. Macron, instead, has focused on foreign policy, a role he finds more suited to his strengths. Nevertheless, the president’s discontent with his new government is palpable.

Despite his public demeanor, Macron has expressed his frustration in private conversations. According to one confidante who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity, Macron lamented, “I did not choose this government. They make me feel ashamed.” This sentiment reflects his discomfort with the conservative ministers who now dominate key positions in the cabinet.

The most hardline member of the new government, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, sparked controversy almost immediately after taking office. Retailleau’s vow to crack down on immigration and his declaration that “the rule of law is neither intangible nor sacred” ignited a firestorm of criticism. For Macron, who has long presented himself as a progressive leader, the presence of such staunch conservatives in his administration represents a sharp departure from his own values.

Macron’s isolation within his own government is further exacerbated by the fact that many of his closest allies have been replaced. Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu is one of the few key figures from Macron’s previous cabinet to remain in the new government. Others, such as Budget Minister Laurent Saint-Martin and Industry Minister Marc Ferracci, have been “poached” by Barnier’s camp, further adding to Macron’s frustrations. “I think the president is suffering,” an official close to Macron said. “He has chosen to stand aside, but it must be costing him a great deal.”

Macron has built a reputation for a top-down leadership style, often steering policy decisions from the Élysée Palace. This approach has served him well in his previous term, but with the new power-sharing arrangement, Macron is being forced to adapt. Privately, he has acknowledged the challenges of his new role, telling confidantes, “For the past seven years, a lot of things have been steered from the Élysée Palace. I’m no longer going to initiate public policy.”

Yet despite his frustrations, Macron is determined to stay in the fight. His shift to focusing more on foreign policy allows him to maintain influence in international affairs, while domestically, he struggles with the conservative direction of the government. A close friend of Macron’s indicated that while he is unhappy with the current situation, he is far from defeated. “Macron is unhappy… but not more than that,” the friend said, adding that the president has told him he needs “warriors” to weather this political storm.

Michel Barnier’s government is far from stable. Although Barnier’s appointment brought an end to the immediate political chaos, his minority government remains vulnerable. Marine Le Pen’s National Rally, having performed strongly in the snap election, holds significant sway as a potential kingmaker. Barnier’s ability to maintain power may ultimately depend on Le Pen’s party, which could determine the fate of his fragile administration.

Within Macron’s camp, loyalty has begun to wane. Many members of his Renaissance party are still “bruised” by the outcome of the snap elections and are less inclined to follow the president’s lead. “Loyalty to the president is not what it used to be,” one lawmaker admitted. This political drift underscores the president’s growing isolation, even among his former allies.

Adding to Macron’s challenges is the souring of his relationship with 35-year-old Gabriel Attal, France’s youngest-ever prime minister, who was replaced by Barnier after less than a year in office. Macron’s inner circle has shrunk, but he continues to rely on a few trusted friends, including former Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, with whom he still regularly dines.

Looking ahead, Macron faces considerable political uncertainty. Although he cannot run for a third term, his remaining time in office will shape his legacy. However, as one ally bluntly noted, “Who cares? Macron isn’t a candidate in 2027, is he?” This sentiment, shared by some within Macron’s own camp, reflects the broader sense that the president’s influence is waning as his second term approaches its end.

Macron’s attempts to reposition himself as a man of the people may also face significant hurdles. In a recent private conversation, Macron expressed a desire to reconnect with ordinary citizens and to be someone the French can turn to in their time of need. “Like a court of appeal, at the side of the French people,” he said. However, this desire for reconnection contrasts sharply with the public perception of Macron as aloof and disconnected from the struggles of everyday life.

As Macron navigates this new phase of his presidency, his isolation and frustration with the right-wing direction of his government are increasingly apparent. Although he has vowed to remain engaged in both domestic and foreign affairs, the political challenges he faces are formidable. Whether Macron can regain the influence and momentum that once defined his leadership remains to be seen, but for now, he finds himself in unfamiliar territory, grappling with a government he neither chose nor fully supports.

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