In an interview published in ‘Elle’ magazine, Emmanuel Macron addressed a number of subjects, focusing in particular on women’s rights and the issue of sexual violence

In an interview with ‘Elle’ magazine, the French President stressed the need for both parents to assume their responsibilities towards their children, even in the event of divorce or separation. He puts forward the idea of a ‘duty to visit’ rather than a ‘right to visit’ for fathers, stressing the importance of ongoing support right up to adulthood.

Emmanuel Macron expressed a desire to open a debate on parenthood and gender equality, noting that 85% of single-parent families are headed by women. Although efforts have been made to improve matters, such as simplifying maintenance payments, he acknowledges that the situation remains difficult for these families.

He stresses the crucial role played by fathers in their children’s upbringing, arguing that they must play a full part in their children’s education, while emphasising the importance of a balanced parental presence. In his view, a child deprived of his father’s presence can feel abandoned, which can affect his emotional and educational development.

This stance comes against a backdrop of violent incidents involving minors, and follows the riots that took place after the death of Nahel, a young man killed by police gunfire. Macron had pointed out that 60% of these young people came from single-parent families, highlighting a reality that is often overlooked.

With regard to Gérard Depardieu

The President referred to his previous statements at the end of December, when he expressed his admiration for the actor and criticised what he described as a ‘manhunt’, stressing that Depardieu ‘makes France proud’. In this interview, Emmanuel Macron clarifies his position, saying that he has never defended an aggressor to the detriment of the victims, but that he spoke out on Depardieu because of the controversy surrounding comments made in a documentary and the issue of the Légion d’honneur. He insisted on his support for fundamental principles, such as the presumption of innocence, and stressed that it was up to the courts to decide, which is scheduled for October.

The President added that he had a deep respect for, and great confidence in, women’s voices, and that he was firm on the issues of rape, domination and brutality. He reaffirmed that his priority was to protect victims, including in the Depardieu affair.

Emmanuel Macron also explains his use of the expression ‘manhunt’, specifying that he uses it in a gender-neutral way and expressing his aversion to media trials and justice through social networks. He criticises a society that seeks to destroy people in the space of a few days and then forget about them, while he is in favour of combat and resistance in the fight for his convictions.

On the concept of “demographic rearmament”

Evoked at a press conference in mid-January, Emmanuel Macron explained that he was using this expression to emphasise the importance of a dynamic birthrate in strengthening a nation. Although the wording provoked controversy and criticism, particularly from feminist groups, the President insisted that it was a metaphor to illustrate the need for a society to maintain a high level of fertility.

He also reaffirmed his support for women’s freedom to control their own bodies and stressed that there should be no guilt attached to those who choose not to have children. However, he also stressed that structural obstacles in society should not prevent women or families who so wish from having children.

As for his plan to combat infertility, Macron detailed that it would focus on prevention, care pathways and research. He announced that a fertility check-up would be offered to everyone around the age of 20, reimbursed by the health insurance, in order to establish a complete diagnosis, including tests such as a spectrogram or assessment of ovarian reserve. In addition, campaigns would be organised to encourage oocyte self-preservation for women planning to have children later in life.