COVID concerns will consume Macron's domestic agenda

Significance

It was expected that the reshuffle would reflect a policy pivot towards social and environmental priorities in the wake of COVID-19 and as a response to the outcome of local elections this year. Instead, personnel change was very modest and underpinned Macron’s focus on managing the current crisis and consolidating right-wing support ahead of the April 2022 presidential election.

Impacts

• Polls suggest the far-right National Rally is failing to take advantage of the COVID-19 crisis.
• Recent surges in COVID-19 cases suggest France’s economic recovery will be slower than expected.
• Rising COVID-19 cases across Europe will increase pressure on the EU to acclerate the rollout of its recovery fund.