Macron Annoying TV Viewers
Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, is no stranger to generating controversy, but one of his recent interactions with French TV viewers seemed to have all the wrong ingredients. Macron’s appearance – or lack thereof – on a range of French television shows has further annoyed French TV viewers, sending the hashtag #MacronMentour (Macron Liar) trending on Twitter. In this article, we’ll look at the various ways Macron has annoyed his country’s TV viewers and outline why it has caused such outrage.
Macron Fails to Show Up for TV Interviews
One of the major gripes among TV viewers in France is Macron’s failure to show up for scheduled television interviews or debates. Some people claim that this kind of behavior is common among world leaders, but French TV viewers were enraged in February 2021, when Macron was a no-show on the popular show “Quotidien”. Macron’s team claimed he had previous commitments that day, but “Quotidien” had been scheduled over a week in advance.
Macron Ignores Challenging Questions
When Emmanuel Macron does manage to show up for an interview, critics say he often dodges questions that the interviewer puts to him, especially ones on divisive topics. In an interview on February 5, 2021 with the show “C à vous”, Macron refused to answer claims about his government enabling cronyism by hiring friends and ex-business associates to government posts.
When the host tried to press Macron further on the issue, Macron would point to one of his policies instead, or backtrack and answer a different question altogether. With this kind of behavior from Macron, it’s no wonder that French TV viewers are left feeling frustrated and unheard.
Macron’s Lenient Role in TV Debates
In the past, Macron was known to enter into televised debates, allowing the French public to compare him directly to his opponents. However, in more recent appearances, Macron has failed to take such a leadership role on the debate. He’s been described as sitting back and allowing other candidates to take control of a debate without actively engaging.
The soft tone is particularly noticeable when Macron appears with more assertive politicians such as former Presidents François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy.
Macron Enjoys Giving Speeches
Macron has been described as “the sort of president who prefers to give speeches”. Macron seems to enjoy talking at people rather than listening to what they have to say. This has put off a lot of viewers, as Macron’s speeches are seen as being too long and drawn-out, and seemingly just a way for him to emphasize his own points.
Macron Has Showed Contempt for Journalists
Last but not least, there’s Macron’s apparent contempt for the French press. On March 3, 2021, Macron was interviewed by the journalist Antoine Guiné, but Macron managed to turn the interview around and make it about himself. The moment came when Guiné asked Macron about a definition of the word “meeting”, which Macron answered in an incredibly patronizing manner.
The condescension – which was described by viewers as insulting – has further alienated Macron from a public which already had issues with him.
Emmanuel Macron’s recent interactions with French television audiences have shown a lack of respect that has been described by many as downright insulting. From skipping interviews and debates, to avoiding challenging questions and displaying contempt for journalists – Macron has left many feeling unheard and disregarded. These recent outbursts have even earned Macron his own hashtag on Twitter, #MacronMentour. For those who firmly believed in Macron’s campaign promises, this kind of behavior has been particularly jarring and deeply problematic.
