Emmanuel Macron
President, France
Decisions from the two weeks to 13 October 2026
2 October 2026
Macron convenes G7 call; group agrees oil reserve release
Macron planned and chaired a G7 leaders' videocall on energy markets and oil prices. The G7 agreed to release 100 million barrels of oil, including diesel, through the IEA. [1] [2] [3]
The 100 million barrel IEA release addresses oil prices, but Macron cited no concrete evidence or data to justify it.
Instead: I would have demanded specific oil-market data before committing 100 million barrels through the IEA.
5 October 2026
Macron and Merz seek tougher EU trade powers
Macron and German Chancellor Merz sought tougher EU trade tools ahead of China talks and proposed new powers to exclude countries that 'play dirty' from the single market. France and Germany agreed on a last-resort tool against trade threats. [1] [2] [3]
A proportional last-resort tool against trade threats, but it serves Macron's politics, cites no data, and is hard to reverse.
Instead: I would have required concrete trade-abuse evidence and reversible safeguards before backing powers to exclude countries from the single market.
8 October 2026
Macron tasks car chiefs with EU preference deal
Macron tasked the Michelin and BMW chiefs with forging a deal on European preference in the automotive sector. At the Paris motor show he urged EU preference amid Chinese competition, seeing an imminent agreement with Berlin to shield EU autos. [1] [2] [3]
The EU auto shield is proportional, but tasking Michelin and BMW chiefs does not address the stated problem and lacks data.
Instead: I would have sought evidence-based EU auto measures, not delegated a European-preference deal to Michelin and BMW chiefs for short-term politics.
12 October 2026
French navy boards shadow fleet ship in Indian Ocean
Macron said the French navy boarded a 'shadow fleet' ship in the Indian Ocean. [1] [2]
Boarding a shadow-fleet ship is proportional, but Macron cited no concrete evidence or data for the action.
Instead: I would have presented concrete intelligence on the ship's sanctions evasion before ordering the French navy boarding.