What's on the Agenda?

Kelly Waldron • April 9, 2023 • Get the data

A look into the busy days of Emmanuel Macron.

On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in a major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian war. Four days prior, on Sunday February 20, Emmanuel Macron was in back to back phone calls all day with Putin, Zelensky, Biden, and European heads of state.

While not every day may be at the helm of Europe’s response to war on the continent, Macron’s days are packed with a diplomatic agenda. This year alone Emmanuel Macron has made official visits in six different countries, and hosted many politicians at home, often over a dîner travail (working dinner). He is also the first G7 leader to visit Xi Jinping in China this year.

The Elysée—the presidential palace—keeps a running agenda of Macron’s activities every day. From the tasting of seasonal pastries, the galette des rois, to emergency meetings with Europe’s leaders, there is a record of Macron’s work and whereabouts.

Familiar Faces

The presidential agenda goes back to the early days of Macron’s presidency in May 2017 until today. An analysis of all people mentioned on the agenda reveals those he engages with the most, in phone calls, in person meetings, or group engagements.

Unsurprisingly, it appears Marcon is maintaining France’s close relationship with Germany, and Europe.

Looking further into the days of the first COVID-19 outbreak, it seems the Elysée was not spared from lockdown restrictions. Compared to the year prior, the number of official outings and visits was near zero, and for the first time, virtual video meetings started dotting the agenda–and continue to today.

Work from home aside, perhaps the most normal days in Macron’s agenda are those of his annual vacation time in August. He too takes a break for les grandes vacances.