In addition, research since 2017 Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen have emerged as the two dominant figures in French politics, embodying diametrically opposed visions of society and the future of the country. Their clashes during the pre-election debates of the 2017 and 2022 presidential elections were memorable, and a third face-off could well be on the horizon.
The idea of a sitting president debating an opponent is not unprecedented. In 1992, François Mitterrand debated Philippe Séguin during the Maastricht referendum. Similarly, Emmanuel Macron could once again find himself facing Marine Le Pen , although this is an unusual situation in French political tradition. This prospect of a debate raises questions not only about the immediate future of French politics, but also about the long-term strategies of the main protagonists.
Emmanuel Macron revolutionized the political landscape by absorbing the apparatuses of the right (LR) and the left (PS), forming a central bloc, often described as UMPS. By positioning himself as the champion of globalization, European federalism and economic liberalism, he attracted a broad spectrum of voters from the center. His meteoric rise and his ability to unite traditionally opposing political forces around him have redefined the rules of the political game. Macron, by capitalizing on voters' disillusionment with traditional parties, was able to position himself as a figure of renewal and hope for a significant part of the French electorate.
Marine Le Pen, for her part, succeeded in making her party, the National Rally (RN), more acceptable to the general public. After decades of leadership by her father Jean-Marie Le Pen, she transformed the RN into a major political force, embodying an opposition described as “patriotic” which encompasses nationalists, eurosceptics and anti-globalization. With 89 deputies, the RN is now the main opposition force in the National Assembly. This normalization of the RN, once perceived as an unfriendly far-right party, was a long-term effort, consisting of moderating the discourse without betraying the fundamentals of its electorate. Marine Le Pen thus succeeded in convincing a growing part of the population that her party was ready to govern.
The traditional left-right divide seems to be fading, replaced by new fault lines: on one side, globalization and liberalism embodied by Emmanuel Macron and his centrist bloc; on the other, the protectionism and nationalism of Marine Le Pen. A third bloc is represented by Jean-Luc Mélenchon and La France Insoumise, including eco-socialists, communists, and pro-immigration advocates. These three blocs now structure French political life, each with a distinct vision of France and the world.
Historical parties like the PS and LR are in great difficulty today, surviving mainly thanks to their local roots and the communities they lead. The French political landscape is now dominated by these three large blocs, each trying to stand out in a context of constant political restructuring. The relative weakness of the PS and LR, formerly pillars of political life, reflects a deep disaffection among voters for parties perceived as incapable of renewing themselves and responding to contemporary challenges.
Macron and Le Pen, despite their differences, share one thing in common: opposition to Jean-Luc Mélenchon and his ideas. This mutual animosity reinforces their status as “best enemies”. They represent two radically opposed visions of French society. While Macron advocates openness to the world and strengthened European integration, Le Pen defends a sovereign France, protectionist and suspicious of immigration and European institutions.
Towards a third Macron – Le Pen debate?
Marine Le Pen recently expressed her desire to debate with Emmanuel Macron, emphasizing the importance of national issues, even in the context of the European elections. Although she had initially wanted a debate after the elections in September, Le Pen now says she is ready to discuss beforehand, provided that the topics discussed are not limited to Europe, but also include issues such as the power of purchasing, insecurity, immigration and health. However, organizing such a debate before June 9 is not certain, so the option of a debate after the European elections remains viable. The Macronist camp, in favor of an exchange, considers this proposal as an opportunity for Le Pen to explain the actions of his party on the European scene, while seeing in this request proof of his lack of skills on European issues.For Macron, accepting a debate with Marine Le Pen would be a risky but potentially profitable bet. Like François Mitterrand in 1992, he could choose to directly confront his main adversary, thus underlining his role as defender of the Republic against the far right.
Since 2017, this recurring theme has been a constant. At the time, it wasn't Emmanuel Macron who chose his opponent in the second round, the one who would allow him to triumph as the champion of the Republic. The two governing parties, the Republicans (LR) and the Socialist Party (PS), represented by François Fillon and Benoît Hamon, each fielded a candidate who, for very different reasons, would ultimately seal their fate. The responsibility of the Socialists and the right wing, subsequently unable to develop a doctrine and a strategy that would have allowed them to recover, is immense; one only needs to look at their scores in 2022 (4,78% for Valérie Pécresse, 1,74% for Anne Hidalgo ) to be convinced.
From day one until now, Emmanuel Macron has done everything in his power to make the National Rally his main adversary, because he knows full well that it is his lifeline. And Marine Le Pen, only too happy to be thus enhanced, has been his most loyal ally in building this duel. Let us recall their first meeting at the Élysée Palace on November 22, 2017. He, ever the charmer, couldn't help himself: he told her he had thought of her the evening of a televised debate where she had been forced to stand for three hours in heels. And he took the time to escort his visitor to the steps of the Élysée. She, always sensitive to such attentions—the Le Pens know what it means to be banished from official residences. "He was charming, direct in his expression, intelligent," she confided afterward. Soon, she will find the speech given on December 8, 2017, by the head of state for the death of Jean d'Ormesson "very beautiful" – "It's a change from those of François Hollande ."
The 2022 presidential election, followed by the mass arrival of deputies from the National Rally, finally installed Marine Le Pen as head of the opposition. Trivialization, normalization, augmentation. In 2017, Marine Le Pen obtained 21,30% of the votes; in 2022, it rises to 23,15%. Recent surveys credit it, for 2027, with an incredible score of 36%. No one has achieved such a result... since 1974. A certain François Mitterrand, candidate of the Union of the Left, had then exceeded 43% in the first round, before being beaten in the second.
Since 2017, Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen have faced off in a series of political battles that have redefined the French political landscape. Their rivalry continues to structure national politics, and a new debate could well be the next chapter in this opposition. As “best enemies”, they currently embody the two poles around which political life in France is now organized.
However, in 2027, at the end of his second term, Emmanuel Macron will not be able to run again. The question then arises: will Macronism be able to continue without Emmanuel Macron? The names of possible successors are already circulating: Édouard Philippe, Gérald Darmanin, or even Élisabeth Borne. In politics, there is no simple logic; yesterday, the divide was right-left, today, it is globalists versus anti-globalists embodied by Macron and Le Pen. What will happen tomorrow remains uncertain.
For now, Macron and Le Pen are arch-rivals, and they have every interest in perpetuating this duality. This opposition is mutually beneficial, solidifying their respective electoral bases and structuring the political debate around their contrasting visions. By cultivating this rivalry, they continue to exert a dominant influence on the French political scene. The rivalry between Marine Le Pen and Emmanuel Macron is so intense that it has led to a debate between their two candidates scheduled for May 23. Jordan Bardella , leading in the polls for the European elections as the leader of the National Rally, will face off against Prime Minister Gabriel Attal in this confrontation, which will be broadcast on France 2. This rivalry transcends personalities to embody distinct ideologies, where the "Macron" and the "Le Pen" symbolize opposing political visions.
