introduction

In the 2022 French presidential election, Macron won re-election by defeating Le Pen with 58.55% of the vote. The characteristics of elections include low voter enthusiasm, the decline of traditional political parties, and intensified political polarization. The French political arena is shifting from alternating left and right parties to a new pattern of three-way struggle between the centrists, far right, and far left. Macron's new term faces severe challenges such as stagnant economic development, failed policy reforms, social stratification, intensified immigration issues, and a severe diplomatic situation. This article will analyze the problems faced by France based on the election results and characteristics, and explore the challenges and prospects of Macron's new term in power.

1、 Slow economic growth

Analyzed the problem of slow economic growth in France and pointed out that the low voter enthusiasm for the 2022 French general election reflects public dissatisfaction with the economic situation. After the 2008 financial crisis, the French economy fell into a period of sluggish growth, with GDP in 2021 only slightly higher than in 2008. The COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine conflict further exacerbated the economic predicament. There are two main reasons for the slow growth of the French economy: internal factors include insufficient investment, sluggish consumption, and declining exports; External factors include the impact of the pandemic and conflicts. Insufficient government investment, declining household consumption, and decreased export competitiveness of enterprises are internal reasons. The epidemic led to a sharp contraction of GDP in 2020, and the Makron government issued an economic recovery plan. However, the epidemic rebounded in early 2022, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict led to worsening foreign trade deficits, rising prices, and blocked supply chains. Macron proposed the "France 2030" investment plan, which can stimulate the economy in the short term but may trigger a fiscal crisis in the long run. The French economy is facing a long-term downturn, with a decrease in public happiness index and government satisfaction.

2、 Inadequate policy reform

Analyzed Macron's inadequate performance in policy reform, pointing out that his reform measures did not achieve the expected results and instead triggered social dissatisfaction and protests. The welfare state system adjustment, tax reform, labor law reform, healthcare system reform, pension system reform, and education research system reform that Macron promoted after coming to power have all encountered resistance and opposition. The measures of canceling the rich tax, raising fuel tax, weakening the status of trade unions, imbalanced allocation of medical resources, slow vaccination, pension system reform, and education reform have all led to conflicts between the public and the government. Despite Macron's achievements in economic growth and unemployment rates, his second term still faces challenges such as economic stagnation and fiscal crisis, requiring continued implementation of reform measures to unite the people and maintain national stability.

3、 Serious social stratification

The 2022 French elections have shown the severity of social stratification, with traditional political parties taking turns in power being replaced by a three-way game of left, center, and right. Macron's supporters mainly come from the elite class, including retirees over 65 years old, corporate executives, government officials, university professors and other high-income and highly educated groups, as well as residents of Paris and major cities. During his first term, Macron implemented pro business policies such as canceling the wealth tax and reducing corporate income tax, earning him the negative label of a 'wealthy president'. Le Pen's supporters mainly come from the middle and lower classes, including young voters, corporate employees, industrial workers and other working-class individuals, as well as the southern and northeastern regions of France. Meilangxiong's supporters include young people aged 18 to 25 and urban poor, advocating for the elimination of social inequality. The French newspaper "Express" described the election as a contest between "two Chinas", testing Macron's ability to deal with social and livelihood issues during his second term.

4、 The immigration issue is gradually intensifying

Analyzed the intensification of French immigration issues during Macron's new term. France, as the country with the highest number of immigrants in Europe, has an immigrant population of 7.6% of the total population, of which 800000 are foreign immigrants born in France. The immigration issue has led to an imbalance in the allocation of public resources, triggering large-scale strikes across the country, which is directly related to Macron's tolerant immigration policy. The influx of foreign immigrants and illegal refugees has brought about issues such as border control, social unrest, and terrorist attacks, with at least 30 terrorist attacks occurring in France in the past 8 years. The immigration issue has also sparked racial and religious conflicts, and Macron has promised to fight against 'Islamic separatism'. The French people attribute the economic downturn and rising unemployment rate to foreign immigrants, and there has been an increase in discrimination and violence against ethnic groups. Macron is caught in a dilemma of wavering on immigration policy, with far right forces holding high the banner of defending French language, history, and culture, promoting extreme nationalism and populism. The issue of foreign immigration will long plague French society and test Macron's ability to resist ethnic separatism.

5、 The diplomatic situation is becoming increasingly severe

An in-depth analysis was conducted on the diplomatic challenges and prospects that Macron faced during his second term. The Montaigne Institute in France pointed out that the 2022 French election reflects the public's differences in the status of France in the European Union and NATO, as well as its attitude towards Russia, which poses a challenge to Macron's foreign policy. In terms of the relationship between France and the European Union, Macron sees the EU as a platform to expand influence and promote cooperation among member states, but the public's favorability towards the EU has declined, leading to doubts about Macron's pro EU policies. After the end of the Merkel era in Germany, Macron needs to find a balance between strengthening France and promoting European independence.

conclusion

After Macron's re-election, he will maintain policy continuity, focusing on issues such as economic development, political democracy, immigration, and environmental protection, and paying attention to livelihood issues. Utilize political changes in Germany and France's position in the European Union to promote European integration. In the face of internal and external challenges, it is necessary to meet the needs of the people, bridge social rifts, strengthen European strategic autonomy, maintain strategic balance between the United States and Russia, and prove its position as a "European leader".