On Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron will address the nation live on television in an effort to mend major rifts in the country brought on by a bitter controversy over his pensions reform that has hurt his popularity.
With four years remaining in his second term, Macron will also be attempting to reenergize his administration as it struggles to recover from the negative political effects of his decision to force the reform package through the National Assembly without a vote.
The conversation takes place against a backdrop of simmering unrest in the streets, where hundreds of protesters have been detained and police have been accused of suppressing lawful protest.
Macron spent the most of Tuesday speaking with ministers, advisers, and other officials before breaking his silence in a live television interview slated for 1:00 pm (1200 GMT) on Wednesday.
