Climate is France’s forum for leadership

Two years after it was signed, the Paris climate change accord remains a global dividing line, but the anniversary grants Emmanuel Macron an opportunity to display his international leadership.

The French president will host the One Planet Summit on Tuesday to encourage governments to harness public sector resources and private finance to support projects that speed up the climate change fight.

Mr Macron enjoys a strong standing overseas, travelling widely and hosting high-profile events such as last week’s conference on Lebanon.

His domestic ratings are also rising, signalling approval of his handling of the nation’s top job. His radical labour reform decrees initially came under fire for policy changes such as a cap on dismissal payouts and rules making it easier to fire staff.

Approval ratings have rebounded, in part as a result of his diplomatic activity.

“Taking the example of the One Planet Summit, this is to mark the two-year anniversary of the Paris Agreement, but there is a distinct emphasis on globalisation,” said Georgina Wright, a researcher at Chatham House’s Europe Programme.

“Macron really sees it as one of the greatest threats facing the world today but he also sees it as an opportunity to create really innovative business opportunities. This is an opportunity for French and EU’s business, and as a chance for France to lead the dialogue on climate change.”

In his bestselling book, Revolution, first published in France in November 2016, Mr Macron wrote outlined a mission to restore France to its former prestige by asking the French people to believe in themselves and their country.

This “Macronisme” could prove infectious, said Ms Wright, who believes the president’s personality is key to his success.

“I spoke to someone recently who called president Macron a ‘seducer’ and I really quite like this idea,” she said. “He is an excellent orator and he is also incredibly knowledgeable in terms of his education and his professional experience.

“He hasn’t had the traditional French politician path towards presidency. He launched his brand new platform which was very centrist and places the EU at the heart of that.

“He was able to mobilise a lot of people and those who felt generally disaffected from politics and the traditional left-right axis that has dominated French politics for such a long time. His personality matters a lot.”

Mr Macron declares his ambitions for France are bold and will require determination.

“If I don’t radically transform France, it’ll be worse than if I did nothing at all,” he said.