Emmanuel Macron Wants to Share Power with

the Yellow Vests

In a startling development that risks shaking up the political chessboard in

France for years to come, Emmanuel Macron has invited the yellow vests to
work with him on a power-sharing plan.

Exasperated by the repeated Saturday skirmishes with protesters that led him to
mobilize the French army in an attempt to maintain order, French President
Emmanuel Macron has had a change of heart. He has launched an open
invitation to the yellow vest movement to designate a team of 20 leaders to work
with him at the Elysee Palace on four successive Saturdays spanning April and
May. His aim is to reach a mutually acceptable agreement on a legislative
program, which the prime minister will then be asked to submit to the national
assembly no later than September.

The immediate reaction in the media ranged from surprise to relief, but within
hours many commenters expressed skepticism. Some, notably those who speak
for the yellow vests, suspected Macron of demagogy even while welcoming his
offer. One of the potential yellow vest leaders, Jean Naymar of Montluçon,
remarked, “How clever of Macron to hold the meetings on Saturday, simply to
break the rhythm of weekly protests!”

Macron’s proposition was clearly laid out. He expects the yellow vests to
designate 20 representatives who will be invited to the Elysee Palace on April 13
for an inaugural tour, destined principally to underline the symbolic role of
executive power-sharing he hopes to see implemented. It includes the
commitment to allocate a series of up to five offices in the presidential palace to
be occupied permanently by a yellow vest team vetted by the national assembly.
They will exercise no direct executive powers or responsibilities, but will be
charged with coordinating with Macron’s cabinet to agree an agenda for weekly
meetings with the president himself, eventually accompanied by ministers
according to the topics to be treated each week.