How a French political startup attempted to transcend the traditional left-right political divide

Countries & Cities · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded by Emmanuel Macron in 2016, Renaissance began as a digital-first movement designed to disrupt French politics. By prioritizing civil society over career politicians and rejecting membership fees, it rapidly ascended to power. Yet, as the party evolved, it faced internal fractures and shifting public perceptions of its ideology.

Established on 6 April 2016 as En Marche!, the movement was built on a vision of transpartisan progressivism. Macron, a former Minister of the Economy, sought to modernize French governance by recruiting volunteers to conduct massive door-to-door surveys, ensuring the party platform resonated with the electorate. This unconventional approach helped the party secure an absolute majority in the 2017 legislative elections, positioning it as the dominant force in French politics.

The party’s identity has remained fluid, shifting through several names—including La République En Marche!—before adopting Renaissance in 2022. While Macron originally framed the movement as a bridge between left and right, public perception has increasingly categorized it as center-right. This shift reflects the party's struggle to maintain its big-tent appeal amidst domestic crises, such as the Yellow vests protests and pension reform debates, which led many candidates to distance themselves from the party brand.

Despite its early electoral dominance, the party has faced significant setbacks. After losing its absolute majority in 2022, a series of snap elections in 2024 left the party with roughly 160 to 162 seats, forcing it into complex negotiations with other political groups. Today, Renaissance operates within the Ensemble coalition, grappling with the challenge of maintaining unity while its key allies, such as Horizons and MoDem, push for greater autonomy. The party’s journey from a grassroots startup to a beleaguered governing force highlights the volatility of modern French politics.

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