PARIS: A few months ago, French President Emmanuel Macron looked to have lost his Midas touch. But as he turns 40 this week, he has rising poll numbers and a growing international reputation to celebrate. But the turnaround in his fortunes has led to a reappraisal of France’s youngest-ever president, who will celebrate his 40th birthday on Thursday. Macron also continues to benefit from the weakness of his political opponents and divisions among the country’s once-mighty trade unions, which have barked but not bitten over his first pro-market reforms. Macron, a former investment banker, has been repeatedly targeted by his opponents for being elitist and patronizing towards France’s working class.

Source: Manila Times December 20, 2017 16:52 UTC