After merging with two smaller allied parties, President Emmanuel Macron’s party has agreed during a conference held on Saturday to change its name to "Renaissance." The political movement founded by Macron in 2016 was previously called "La République En Marche," which has been translated differently into English but is often referred to as "En Marche." The centrist party began using the new name during the 2019 European elections. It will also merge with the center-right party "Agir" and the center-left party "Territoires de Progrès."
The "Renaissance" party is currently the largest party in the National Assembly, the lower house of the French Parliament, but lost its absolute majority in the parliamentary elections last June.
New Phase: French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne stated during the conference, “This is the beginning of a new phase in the transformation of our country.” She added, “Today we opened a new chapter in our political history,” noting that with the name change, the movement has become mature. Borne described the struggle against climate change, which she said will require brave and radical decisions, and achieving full employment, emphasizing that this will protect the welfare state as shared top priorities for the new party.
She also called for more equality of opportunity, urged the creation of a more just and compassionate society, and advocated for improved access to education and healthcare. On Saturday, Macron, who has become the honorary president of "Renaissance," warned that “without unity, extremists will win.” Macron was re-elected in May after facing off against far-right National Rally candidate Marine Le Pen, who garnered over 41% of the votes.
