Macron hints at political comeback after term ends Despite low approval ratings

French President Emmanuel Macron has strongly suggested he intends to remain an influential figure in national politics even after his current term ends—hinting at a potential run for a third presidential term in 2032.

“I still need your help and I’m counting on you — for the next two years … in five years, in 10 years. You’ll be here, and count on me, I’ll be here with you,” Macron said on July 6 during a speech marking the 10th anniversary of the youth group formed to support his initial presidential campaign, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

While the French constitution bars Macron from seeking a third consecutive term in 2027, it does not prevent him from running again after a break. The president, who will be 54 in 2032, would therefore be eligible to make a political comeback in that election year.

Macron has previously remained vague about his future political plans. In a major primetime interview in May, he dismissed the idea of a third run, saying he “hadn’t thought” about pursuing another term. However, a parliamentary investigative committee later revealed that the government had commissioned a poll the day after that interview to gauge public reaction to a possible Macron candidacy in 2032. While such polls are not directly commissioned by the presidency, the results are routinely sent to the Elysée.

Macron’s remarks come at a time when his political standing appears weakened. According to a recent Elabe tracker, only 22 per cent of French voters surveyed said they trust the president to lead the country—a figure near an all-time low for him.

The president is also facing growing pressure to demonstrate that he is not a lame duck. His authority over domestic affairs has diminished since calling snap parliamentary elections last summer. The move led to his centrist coalition losing its majority in the National Assembly and contributed to ongoing political gridlock.

Meanwhile, potential successors within Macron’s own political camp are already eyeing the 2027 presidential race. Just minutes before Macron’s remarks on July 6, former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who now heads Macron’s Renaissance party, appeared to signal his own presidential ambitions.

Despite the growing speculation, Macron urged his allies and political observers to stay focused on present challenges. “Spending the next two years talking about 2027,” he warned, would come at the expense of addressing the country’s immediate needs.

By Sabina Mammadli