The rivalry between Macron and Salvini is a battle for Europe’s soul

When Emmanuel Macron won a resounding victory over far-right nationalist Marine Le Pen in the 2017 French presidential elections – claiming 66 per cent of the vote – Matteo Salvini was a little known Italian politician largely scoffed at as a clown by the status-quo parties. While Salvini was posting selfies on Facebook and making outlandish comments about North African migrants, the eurozone, the European Union, and the Italian political establishment, Macron was in Paris measuring drapes in the Élysée Palace. Stories in the Washington Post, the New York Times, and the Guardian gushing about Macron being Europe’s saviour from the dark forces of populism were as prevalent as stories deriding Salvini as a buffoon.

A year and a half later, the tables have turned. Emmanuel Macron is no longer the untouchable beacon of hope stopping the brutes from breaching Europe’s gates.  His confidence levels among the French public have dipped to 26 per cent amidst scandal, cabinet resignations, and unpopular economic reforms.