Photo/Illutration French President Emmanuel Macron greets supporters in Paris on April 24, 2022. (AP Photo)

Europe is at a critical juncture in its postwar history as it faces divisive issues about the future of regional security and integration. France, as a leading regional power, should spearhead efforts to heal divisions both at home and across the continent to establish a fair international order.

Emmanuel Macron was re-elected president in the April 24 election, defeating Marine Le Pen of the far-right National Rally in a runoff. Macron’s victory ensured a continuation of his pro-European centrist agenda, which stresses multilateral cooperation.

Many countries closely watched the replay of the presidential face-off between the two politicians five years ago with bated breath. Le Pen widened her support base by consistently emphasizing her commitment to placing priority to France’s national interest.

Le Pen’s campaign promises to oppose sanctions against Russia and pull France out of NATO’s integrated military command would have delivered an additional blow to the international order. The election outcome brought a sigh of relief in many quarters.

But unlike Macron’s overwhelming victory in the previous presidential election, Le Pen won around 40 percent of the ballots cast. This sobering fact indicates that French voters have become more disgruntled over the past five years.

French society is plagued by multiple divisions. These include rifts between the elite and low-income earners class and between rural and urban areas. The Macron administration’s tax policy, characterized as bolstering the nation’s industrial competitiveness, and labor market reforms triggered a broad backlash, driving a nationwide wave of “yellow vest” populist protests.

Polls during the presidential race reflected complex sentiments among voters. After Russia invaded Ukraine, public support for Macron rose on the heels of his series of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. But upticks in electricity bills and a broad range of prices in following weeks pushed up Le Pen’s standing.

Voters feeling trapped in a cost of living crisis do not have the luxury of paying close attention to the war in Ukraine or other international issues. We urge Macron to start his second term by humbly listening to the voices of the people and taking steps aimed at narrowing disparities.

Europe as a whole is showing signs that the momentum of integration is losing steam. Besides Britain’s departure from the European Union, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, a longtime powerhouse in Europe, has retired.

Europe is divided by economic disparities between the North and the South, as well as a deep rift between the East and the West over democratic values. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has violently shaken a divided Europe, forcing policymakers in many countries there to reconsider the basic underpinnings of regional integration, especially the collective security system.

With Merkel gone, Macron is the only European leader who can protect and promote the principles of integration.

France holds the rotating presidency of the European Union in the first half of this year. Paris should take the initiative in efforts to tap COVID-19 funds for the region’s economic recovery and rebuild the unity of Europe by promoting the rule of law in Eastern Europe.

We also urge Macron to continue his efforts to persuade Putin to end the war in Ukraine. We hope France will fulfill its responsibility as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council in the diplomatic arena in line with its tradition of distancing itself from leading powers preoccupied with expanding territory or pursuing global supremacy.

--The Asahi Shimbun, April 26

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