France | Macron’s opponents say he acts monarch-like

French President Emmanuel Macron heads to Versailles today to speak to a joint session of the two chambers of parliament as his popularity slides and opponents taunt him for acting like France is still a monarchy.

The 40-year-old has been buffeted by criticism that his style is haughty and his policies favor the rich, impressions kindled by distractions like building a swimming pool at a presidential residence in Southern France, replacing the tableware of the presidential palace with an expensive new set and telling off a teenager who spoke to him in a casual tone.

“The denunciations of a style that is judged more and more monarchical isn’t limited to the far left,” said Celine Bracq, director general at pollster Odoxa. “The barbs come even from his own camp, who let it be know they think Emmanuel Macron lives in an ivory tower where he doesn’t listen to advisers, MPs, or political partners.”

Politically, the French president is safe: his movement maintains a solid majority in parliament, and there are no national elections of any sort until European parliament elections in May 2019.

But an Odoxa poll published July 5 for Le Figaro said 71 percent of the French think Macron’s policies are unfair, 65 percent think his policies are inefficient, and 55 percent think his speech scheduled for today is unnecessary. An Elabe poll for Les Echos also published July 5 said almost the same: 76 percent found his policies unjust, and 66 percent inefficient.

An Elabe poll published July 6 said Macron’s approval rating fell six points in the month to 34 percent, just three points above predecessor Francois Hollande at the same point of his presidency. Harris said June 29 that his approval rating fell 7 points to 40 percent.

Soon after his election in May 2017, Macron’s government relaxed labor laws, eliminated a wealth tax, and announced plans to cut some welfare programs. Yet government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux said Friday critics should look at other policies, such as doubling the number of teachers in some schools and increasing spending on job training.

“I’m tired of hearing that all we do is give gifts to the rich,” Griveaux said. “We don’t rule with our nose in opinion polls.” MDT/Bloomberg