Macron’s First Year

 
 

Vocabulary

reform	resistance	predecessor
pledge	push (2)	implement
rigid	post (4)	to bear fruit (2)
bureau	perceive	to take office
forum	support	appear (2)
core	confident	entrepreneur
fulfill	innovation	fund/funding
visible	strike (2)	double-digits
avoid	election	paralyze (2)
asset	image (2)	retirement
expect	survive (2)	time will tell
flexible	survey (2)	translate (2)
startup	investor	trade union
benefit	response	cut/cut/cut (2)
hire (2)	break (3)	debt/indebted
vow	press on

 
 

 
 

Video: Emmanuel Macro’s First Year

 
 
 
 

Transcript

Economists say Emmanuel Macron has changed more in twelve months than his predecessors did in years.

Despite heavy resistance, he has managed to implement reforms, pushing for more flexibility in France’s rigid job market.

And now his changes are beginning to bear fruit: unemployment has fallen by half a percent since he took office.

This year the French statistics bureau expects the economy to post its highest growth in eleven years.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum back in January, Macron appeared confident about France’s position in the rest of the world.

Emmanuel Macron, President of France: “Ladies and gentlemen, my first message is ‘France is back!’ France is back in the core of Europe.”

His pledge to support young entrepreneurs is being fulfilled with ten billion euros worth of funding towards innovation.

And the results are visible: the number of startups has increased by double-digits since Macron’s election.

Foreign investors are showing interest again, having previously long avoided France.

Philippe Waechter, Ostrum Asset Management Chief Economist: “The image of France has changed a lot, globally. When you go abroad, you talk about Emmanuel Macron, whether it’s in Germany or the United States.

This is a real break from what we saw in the past. France is perceived more positively by investors.”

Macron wants France to become a nation of startups.

But only time will tell how many companies survive without government support.

But the improving economy hasn’t translated into support for the president: one survey showed sixty percent (60%) of the public are unhappy with their government.

Trade unions have paralyzed public transport with strikes in response to plans to cut benefits at France’s heavily indebted state railways.

Macron’s plan to end early retirement for new hires has been met with particular resistance.

But so far, the president has vowed to press on with his reforms.

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Questions

1. Emmanuel Macron has been very dynamic and proactive. True or false? What are some examples?

2. Have his reforms yielded positive results?

3. “France is back!’ France is back in the core of Europe.” What does this mean? Give examples.

4. Does Macron favor heavy industry, high-tech or both?

5. What do foreigners think of France now?

6. Everyone is pleased and enthusiastic about Macron and his agenda. Is this right or wrong? Who oppose him? Why do they not like his proposals?

7. Is Macron going to back down, yield or buckle to pressure?

 
 

A. I often hear about Emmanuel Macron on the news and media. Yes or no?

B. Do you agree with Macron’s platform and agenda?

C. Have there been similar popular statesmen or women in your country?

D. Reforms are needed in my country. Yes or no?

E. What will happen in the future regarding Macron and France?