‘We’ll get them’: Macron’s private comments on rivals revealed in new book

Private messages exchanged between French President Emmanuel Macron and journalist Françoise Degois over two years have been published in a new book, revealing his views on political rivals, the rise of the far right and his own leadership. The president reportedly learnt of the book’s existence just three days before its release.

Issued on: 05/11/2026 - 17:07

Two years of Telegram messages feature in Vous êtes tous trop durs avec moi – 'You're All Too Hard on Me' – published on Thursday by Robert Laffont.

Degois, a former adviser to Socialist politician Ségolène Royal turned political commentator, acknowledges that she did not seek Macron's approval. According to a source close to the president, the Élysée only learnt of the book on Monday.

The exchanges cover some of the most turbulent moments of Macron's second term, including his controversial dissolution of parliament in June 2024, the ensuing political deadlock and the rise of the far-right National Rally (RN).

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Taking on the far right

Much of the correspondence focuses on Macron's determination to prevent the RN, led by Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, from reaching the presidency.

Despite the upheaval triggered by the 2024 snap elections, Macron insisted the move helped contain the far right.

"That dissolution, which cost me so much in every respect, did at least hold the RN back. I'm sure of it," he wrote. "They were ready for the autumn but not for June. And while the others are busy with their egos, they're preparing again."

In June 2026, Macron expressed concern about the political climate and the prospect of an RN victory.

"The machine wants blood. It wants the RN," he wrote.

Asked whether he was worried, the president responded defiantly: "No! Cheer up! We'll get them! All of them!"

He also accused mainstream right-wing politicians of drifting towards the far right, warning that further instability would only strengthen the RN.

"Most of them are galloping towards the RN's trough," he said. "We need to cool things down and not play with fire."

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Political rivals

The messages also shed light on Macron's refusal to appoint a left-wing prime minister following the inconclusive 2024 parliamentary elections.

When Degois suggested giving the left an opportunity to govern, Macron rejected the idea.

"You didn't win. It was the RN that won," he told her. "You'd be out in a week if I appointed anyone. You're incapable of agreeing among yourselves."

His criticism extended to his former prime minister Gabriel Attal, once considered a close ally. "We've given him too much. All the time. Too much," Macron wrote.

The correspondence also touches on international affairs. In one message about United States President Donald Trump, Macron borrows a line from the French gangster comedy Les Tontons flingueurs.

"Donald doesn't know Raoul," he wrote – suggesting Trump has underestimated whom he is dealing with.

The Elysée has played down the revelations, arguing that Macron's private comments are consistent with his public positions.

Attal was similarly dismissive. "None of this interests the French people," he told BFMTV, adding that everyone was entitled to express their opinions privately, including to journalists.

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Complicated relationship with the press

The book has also revived questions about Macron's relationship with the media.

During his first presidential campaign in 2016, Macron criticised what he described as excessive closeness between politicians and journalists.

"There is currently collusion between the political world and the media," he told investigative news site Mediapart.

"I have no journalist friends. I do not collude, I do not make confidences."

At the time, Macron was distancing himself from predecessor François Hollande, whose conversations with two journalists from Le Monde newspaper had been published in the explosive book A President Shouldn't Say That...

A decade later, Macron faces an awkward parallel – although he was apparently unaware his conversations were being turned into a book.

Some have questioned whether the president really was taken by surprise. Sabrina Roubache, a junior minister of education and ally of Macron, accused Degois of questionable journalistic practices – but said "only the truly naive believe that off-the-record comments stay off the record".

This story has been adapted from the original article by RFI's French service.

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