French Political Leaders' Retreat from Traditional Media Fuels Transparency Debate

In early 2026, a notable trend has emerged among French political leaders, including President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who are increasingly avoiding traditional media engagements. For the third consecutive year, neither the President nor the Prime Minister offered the customary New Year's wishes to the press, signaling a departure from longstanding political customs. Unlike past leaders such as François Bayrou and Elisabeth Borne, Lecornu has distanced himself from media appearances, with his team reportedly unaware of the expectation to address the press following his appointment.

Macron's practice of public engagements without journalists, aimed at creating more natural citizen interactions, has drawn criticism. The Association of the Presidential Press (APP) highlighted concerns that such opacity limits the public's ability to gauge political reception. Experts like Pierre-Emmanuel Guigo suggest these visits generate buzz without media scrutiny, while Gaspard Gantzer notes the difference in dynamics when journalists are present. Historically, leaders including François Mitterrand and François Hollande have employed similar tactics during unpopular periods, yet critics like APP's Jean-Rémi Baudot argue that restricting press access undermines democratic transparency. Supporters contend that eliminating media interference fosters genuine dialogue between officials and citizens.

This evolving approach raises important questions about the balance between political communication strategies and the democratic necessity of media scrutiny.