Last Month's Approval Rating Surpasses 30%
Photos of Emmanuel Macron, President of France, in his office, released by his official photographer. / Photo by Soazig De La Moissonniere, Instagram capture
[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] French President Emmanuel Macron is boosting his approval ratings by dressing in a manner reminiscent of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
On the 15th (local time), according to British media outlets The Times and Daily Mail, Macron's official photographer Sozig de la Moissonniere shared photos of Macron taken in the ?lys?e Palace office on social media.
The photo that sparked attention was Macron's casual attire. Known for frequently wearing navy suits and being considered a "well-dressed president," he appeared in the photo wearing a black hoodie and jeans, with an unshaven look. He was seen winking with one eye closed or seriously reviewing documents.
This photo spread online under the keyword "Macron's Zelensky cosplay," because Zelensky has abandoned suits since the Russian invasion and appears in official settings wearing khaki military T-shirts and jumpers.
The Times of the UK reported, "Macron adopted the Zelensky look," adding, "Macron wearing a hoodie emblazoned with the French Air Force special forces 'CPA10' logo strangely resembles other wartime leaders."
Additionally, the UK Telegraph stated, "Any politician would want an approval rating increase like President Zelensky's, and President Macron faces the presidential election in April."
In fact, since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Macron has frequently communicated with Russian President Vladimir Putin, acting as a mediator, and his approval ratings have risen. On the 14th, on the French channel TF1 program, he said, "I will continue to discuss humanitarian corridors and the protection of nuclear power plants with President Putin. Without dialogue, Europe cannot be safe and peaceful."
On the 15th (local time), the Financial Times reported, "President Macron recently topped presidential candidate polls with 30.4%, likely advancing smoothly to the runoff." The second place is Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally (RN), with 16.8% support.
Last September, Macron and Le Pen had similar approval ratings in the low 20% range, but Le Pen's support declined to the high teens since the end of last year, while Macron's suddenly rose past 30% at the end of last month.
The first round of the French presidential election will be held on the 10th of next month. If no candidate wins a majority, the top two candidates will compete in a runoff on the 24th of next month.
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