Macron says French anger over economy is 'normal', announces military deployment to Saudi oil site

Live Coverage: Emmanuel Macron Interview on TF1 and France 2

President Emmanuel Macron was interviewed from 8:00 PM on TF1 and France 2, addressing key national and international issues.

Live blog moderated by Oscar Korbosli, Diane Merveilleux, and Ramzy Bensaadi (Photo Desk)

Updated today at 9:04 PM

Key Takeaways from Emmanuel Macron's Interview

• Military deployment to Saudi Arabia: Macron announced the dispatch of "military means" to "protect" the Yanbu site, a strategic node in Saudi Arabia's energy infrastructure. This key crude export terminal on the Red Sea has played a crucial role during the Middle East war.

• Credible Russian mobilization threat: A new Russian mobilization of 300,000 troops for the war in Ukraine "is a scenario that seems credible to us," Macron stated. "The signal Russia is sending today is: we are ready to make even more sacrifices to take all of Donbas," he added.

• Opposition to US diesel export ban: A ban on US diesel exports, as suggested by Donald Trump, would be a "bad" decision, Macron said. He did not rule out lowering fuel taxes if prices continue to rise, though he stated diplomatic means would be preferable.

• Government action on fuel prices: Macron assured that the government would continue acting to prevent fuel price surges. He acknowledged that rising living costs could fuel public anger, particularly when fuel expenses strain household budgets.

• Defense of pandemic policies: Macron defended measures taken during the health and energy crises, stating he does "not at all" regret the "whatever it costs" approach. He noted that no political leader asked him to limit aid at the time.

• No new dissolution of Parliament: Macron stated that dissolving the National Assembly again, eight months before the presidential election, would not be advisable. "I think that would not be good for the country," he said. He declined to specify how he would position himself in public debate "in the home stretch" of the presidential election.

End of the Interview

The President answered questions from Gilles Bouleau (TF1) and Caroline Roux (France 2).

Presidential Candidates "Cannot Ignore Reality," Macron Says

Macron stated that his priority remains acting in the face of current crises and informing the French people about the country's situation.

He said he wants to "enlighten the French people and political forces" and help them "share the complexity of reality." He considers this particularly important ahead of upcoming political deadlines. "There are women and men who aspire to the highest responsibilities. They cannot ignore reality," he asserted.

When asked about his own plans, Macron declined to specify how he would position himself in public debate "in the home stretch" before the presidential election.

New Dissolution Would "Not Be Good for the Country"

Macron stated Thursday that dissolving the National Assembly again, eight months before the presidential election, would not be advisable. "I think that would not be good for the country," he said.

He defended his decision to dissolve the Assembly in June 2024, after two years of relative majority. "The first dissolution was done in conscience, and it is my responsibility and I accept it," he stated. Macron explained he wanted to "return power to the French people" after failing to convince political forces to form a majority coalition. "The French made their choice. You may like it or not; it is the choice of the French people," he insisted.

However, Macron noted that circumstances are now different. "I think it would be bad today to hold a dissolution, because today we are eight months from a presidential election," he said. A new dissolution would add "political instability to war, purchasing power problems, and a budget to pass."

Macron also stated that such a decision would prevent "the next president" from being able to dissolve the Assembly and attempt to "rebuild a majority." "So it is not advisable," he concluded, calling for "the spirit of responsibility to be shared by all political forces."

G7 Strategic Oil Release Discussed

Macron said he wants to convene G7 countries in the coming days to discuss a new release of strategic petroleum reserves. Such an initiative was already taken at the very beginning of the Middle East war: on March 11, all members of the International Energy Agency (IEA)—about thirty states—announced the release of 400 million barrels, an unprecedented operation aimed at calming market panic.

This time, Macron also aims to dissuade Donald Trump from suspending diesel exports, a measure the US president says he is considering in response to record fuel prices ahead of the midterm elections. A ban would be a "bad" decision, according to Macron, who hopes to convince the White House that a coordinated operation could lower prices.

— Marie de Vergès

Macron Acknowledges Public Anger Is "Normal"

The President acknowledged that rising living costs could fuel public anger, particularly when fuel expenses strain household budgets. "When things go badly, people find themselves facing an impossible life, and so, indeed, they are angry," he said.

However, Macron stated that a generalized social movement would not be an appropriate response to the current situation. "I see voices rising to call for a generalized social movement. I think that would not help us collectively," he stated.

"If there is a movement now, we are not going to have a movement against the war launched by Russia in Ukraine," he said, adding: "I too am against these wars, so I do not think that would be a useful action."

Macron called for "staying united" and for greater "solidarity." He also asked political leaders to be "as responsible as possible" and not to give in to "demagoguery." "Try to take all the decisions we can to protect French people who are in difficulty, to continue preparing the country for the future," he urged.

Tax Cuts Not Ruled Out "Depending on Price Evolution"

Macron did not rule out lowering fuel taxes if price increases continue. "Depending on the evolution, nothing should be excluded," he said.

However, he stated that this measure would not be "the most virtuous decision," particularly because it would be costly and poorly targeted. "When you lower taxes, you help everyone, including heavy drivers who could afford to fill up," he explained.

The President instead defended targeted measures in favor of those French people who need them most. "Nothing is closed, the government will do everything necessary and will provide support..."