Macron's final months: Can he steady France's crisis?

Emmanuel Macron faces a bleak end to his presidency as France is gripped by protests, political paralysis, and a hung parliament, casting doubt on his ability to restore stability. The unrest has pushed long-term borrowing costs above 5 percent for the first time since 2002. The crisis stems from Macron's failed 2024 snap election gamble, which cost his centrist coalition its majority, while critics say his pension reform failure and uncontrolled spending have divided the country. His Sunday address offered no concrete decisions, drawing sharp rebukes from allies and opponents alike. Macron has refused to declare a state of emergency, instead urging local authorities to ban most demonstrations, though a major union march is planned for Saturday. The far-right National Rally is capitalizing on the turmoil ahead of presidential elections in six months.