A new biography of French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte has laid bare the volatile nature of their marriage, detailing the first lady's intense jealousy and her iron grip on her husband. The book, titled Un Couple (Presque) Parfait (An Almost Perfect Couple), by Paris Match journalist Florian Tardif, paints a picture of a relationship fraught with insecurity and suspicion.
The Infamous Slap Incident
Last year, during a state visit to Vietnam, Brigitte Macron was filmed slapping her husband across the face as they prepared to disembark from the presidential plane. The incident, which went viral, was initially dismissed by the Élysée Palace as a joke or a sign of closeness after a long flight. However, Tardif claims the slap was triggered by Brigitte seeing a video message on Macron's phone from Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani. The president had allegedly sent her texts, including one that read: 'I find you magnificent.'
Brigitte's Possessiveness
Tardif writes that Brigitte has always viewed other women as predators and has worked to ensure her husband is surrounded mostly by men. She would often demand to see photos of female job applicants at the Élysée, declaring 'She won't be coming to the Élysée!' if she deemed them too attractive. The book claims she had a young female intern fired within days, convinced the woman was trying to seduce the president.
Macron's Dependence on His Wife
According to Tardif, Macron confided to Brigitte's chief of staff that she must be kept happy, saying: 'If she's bored, if she feels useless... I won't be able to cope. And I'll fail this presidential term.' The author asserts that without Brigitte, Macron is a 'ditherer' who cannot make decisions. Their age gap—25 years—has long been a subject of speculation, with Brigitte often portrayed as a mother figure.
Rumours of Homosexuality
The couple has also faced persistent rumours that Macron is gay, which he has vehemently denied. In response to claims about his former bodyguard Alexandre Benalla, Macron said: 'Benalla has never been my lover!' He dismissed such gossip as misogynistic and homophobic.
Macron's Bachelor Pad Atmosphere
Tardif describes the Élysée Palace as having a 'bachelor pad atmosphere,' where Macron enjoys late nights with close male friends, drinking Lagavulin whisky and smoking cigars. He often sings songs by French rock star Johnny Hallyday and reportedly dislikes his own era, admiring Napoleon and dreaming of empire.
Political Implications
The book raises questions about Macron's future after he steps down in 2027, having served the maximum two terms. At 55, he could potentially run again in 2032, but by then Brigitte will be nearly 80. Without her influence, Tardif wonders whether Macron will be able to contend on the world stage or be left a 'lost boy.'
