French President Emmanuel Macron’s attempt to engage with younger voters through social media has turned into a major misstep.

His recent interaction with a TikTok influencer, who had previously mocked him, has sparked widespread backlash and further tarnished his already fragile public image.

The TikTok Moment

In a viral video, Macron is seen responding to a TikTok creator, known as S4iintt, who had shared his frustration over being fined £75 for using his phone to pay at a motorway toll booth.

The influencer explained how he had been penalized near Tours for holding his phone while waiting at the toll.

Macron, appearing relaxed and attempting to seem approachable, responded, saying, “By 2025, you should be able to pay tolls using your phone.”

He went on to add that he had passed the issue on to the interior minister for resolution.

The Hidden History

What Macron didn’t realize, however, was that this influencer wasn’t exactly a fan.

The same content creator had previously referred to Macron as a “dwarf married to his French teacher” in a series of insulting comments about his leadership.

The fact that Macron chose to engage with him, especially in such a public manner, caused critics to question his judgment.

Public Backlash

The interaction didn’t go unnoticed. Critics on social media quickly jumped on the opportunity to deride the president’s decision.

Some argued that by giving a platform to someone with such a history of disrespect, Macron was undermining the credibility of his office.

Others took issue with what they saw as a political stunt, accusing him of focusing more on social media popularity than on solving France’s more pressing issues.

A Declining Popularity

Macron’s approval rating has continued to plummet, with many pointing to his TikTok antics as a sign of desperation.

Despite presiding over high-profile events like the Paris Olympics and the reopening of Notre Dame, Macron now faces the lowest approval ratings of his presidency.

A recent poll revealed that just 21% of voters are satisfied with his leadership.

His political influence has waned significantly, especially as he struggles with a fractured National Assembly and growing public discontent.

Economic Woes and Strained Relationships

Macron’s attempts to salvage his popularity come at a time when France’s economic outlook is far from bright.

Unemployment has risen, national debt is mounting, and France’s once-dominant position in Europe is under threat.

Additionally, political instability within his government, including struggles with Prime Minister François Bayrou over pension reforms, has made it clear that Macron’s influence is on the decline.

Global Presence vs. Domestic Problems

While Macron continues to play a prominent role on the international stage, attending events like the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation and preparing for a major AI summit in Paris, critics argue that his focus on global diplomacy is doing little to address the issues he faces at home.

His international efforts may garner attention, but they do little to improve the mood in France, where his leadership is increasingly seen as out of touch with the realities of everyday life.

The Road Ahead

As Macron navigates the remainder of his presidency, it’s clear that his attempts to regain favor through stunts like TikTok interactions and international summits are unlikely to be enough.

Whether or not he can recover from this growing tide of public dissatisfaction remains to be seen, but his legacy seems to be increasingly defined by political instability and economic challenges.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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