Overview
- In a speech at the Assises de l'économie de la mer in La Rochelle, Emmanuel Macron said France is not made happier by keeping its corporate champions from new markets, signaling opposition to fresh Assembly votes increasing levies on multinationals.
- He highlighted maritime priorities including decarbonizing shipping and tackling Russia’s 'ghost' tanker fleet used to evade sanctions.
- Later in Rochefort, he is scheduled to engage middle- and high-school students on the mental health impact of screen time and social networks, a focus he aims to elevate for the remainder of his term.
- The trip marks his first on-the-ground visit since September 19 as polls show trust sinking to about 11 percent.
- Coverage points to tensions inside his camp, with allies voicing doubts and reports of calls for him to step aside from figures such as Édouard Philippe.