Book Discloses Private Messages Between Emmanuel Macron and French Journalist

French President Emmanuel Macron maintained a private correspondence via the encrypted messaging app Telegram with political commentator Françoise Degois, revealing his perspectives on domestic political rivals and his post-presidential plans. The exchanges, compiled in a new book by Degois titled "Vous êtes tous trop durs avec moi", were published in extracts by French media outlets Le Figaro and Marianne ahead of the book's official release.

The communications began in the summer of 2024 after Degois publicly defended Brigitte Macron against online harassment. In subsequent messages, Macron defended his decision to dissolve the National Assembly following the 2024 European elections, a move widely viewed as having destabilised the parliamentary majority. According to the published texts, Macron rejected assertions that the dissolution was reckless, arguing that the decision successfully prevented the right-wing National Rally from securing power.

The published exchanges also show that Macron was determined not to appoint Lucie Castets, the candidate nominated by the left-wing New Popular Front coalition, to the premiership. He dismissed the viability of her candidacy and reflected on the internal dynamics of the opposition. While describing the strategy of Jean-Luc Mélenchon's La France Insoumise as unworkable, Macron offered praise for Socialist Party chief Olivier Faure, urging him to take a more assertive stance against the far-left opposition.

Within his own political camp, the president expressed criticism toward former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, stating that Attal had been granted excessive political leeway. Macron also voiced frustration with media coverage throughout his second term, asserting that journalists frequently rendered harsh judgments on his administration without direct engagement or accurate context.

Addressing his future following the completion of his second term, Macron rejected reports published in Le JDD claiming he might take a position with French business figures such as billionaire Xavier Niel. According to Degois' book, the president specified that he would not accept employment under French business executives and instead indicated an intention to establish his own venture, potentially outside France.

Written by Sandy van Dongen sandy.vandongen@alpineweekly.com