When Emmanuel Macron took office in May 2017, the inauguration was nothing short of grandiose: military parades, cannon fire, and a solitary march across the expansive courtyard of the Élysée Palace. At 39, he was hailed as a social-liberal Napoleon—youthful, articulate, and pro-European. Eight years on, that initial lustre has faded. Macron now appears as a technocratic figurehead, with dwindling public confidence in his ability to navigate France—and Europe—through turbulent times.
Despite being a product of programmes like the World Economic Forum's Young Global Leaders Forum, Macron pales in comparison to contemporary power players such as Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Benjamin Netanyahu. Evidently lacking in vision and instinct, he exudes the detachment of a technocrat, devoid of genuine charisma.
Charisma in a Crisis
Max Weber posited that in times of crisis, authority derived from charisma becomes paramount. Populations gravitate towards leaders who embody confidence and inspire trust—not merely intellectually but through public appearances. Macron's advisors have endeavoured to amplify his public appeal through them, including having him don military attire following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. However, such attempts, notably the contentious photoshoot in a green military T-shirt, failed to resonate, especially when juxtaposed with Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky's more authentic attire, given his country is actually at war.
Diplomatic overtures, such as Macron's dialogues with Putin, have yielded negligible results, and portrayed him as an inexperienced negotiator. In contrast, Donald Trump's charisma—though not to everyone’s taste—commands attention. While Macron’s approval ratings have recovered, this rebound likely owes less to domestic enthusiasm than to the ease with which he contrasts himself with more polarising figures such as Trump or Putin.
Meloni as a Counterexample
Is charisma the exclusive domain of seasoned male leaders? Giorgia Meloni, Italy's Prime Minister, challenges this notion. Eschewing affiliations with global elite training grounds, she projects a raw, unpolished charisma reminiscent of figures like Churchill or Thatcher. Meloni's leadership is characterised by authenticity and a keen political instinct, which sharply contrasts with polished leaders like Macron.
Similarly, Annalena Baerbock—another alumna of the Young Global Leaders Forum—epitomises a brand of leadership that prioritises slickness and eloquence but may be lacking the background that fosters genuine charisma.
Trudeau and the 'Peter Pan' Archetype
Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, exemplifies the ephemeral nature of superficial popularity. Psychologist Jordan B. Peterson has publicly characterised Trudeau as embodying narcissistic traits akin to the 'Peter Pan' syndrome—a perpetual adolescence. This critique could arguably extend to Macron, as both represent an era of leaders whose authority is heavily predicated on media strategies rather than substance.
In stark contrast stands Volodymyr Zelensky: a leader who remained in Kyiv amidst conflict.Despite his entertainment background, Zelensky's steadfastness has dispelled notions of artifice, unlike Macron, whose orchestrated displays often miss the mark. Caution is warranted, however: even in wartime genuine charisma is fragile and subject to continual reassessment. As the trajectory of Zelensky’s approval ratings from March 2022 to February 2025 shows, trust must be re-earned month by month.The shift underscores that charisma can galvanise a nation during wartime,but must be continually validated through results.
The Essence of Genuine Charisma
While charisma remains an elusive quality, certain prerequisites are identifiable. Authenticity being of the utmost importance; especially since it cannot be manufactured. The adage ”fake it until you make it” may hold true early on in a career but does less so when one’s political leadership is truly tested. Authentically charismatic leaders often have survived personal and professional crucibles, having experienced both triumphs and tribulations. Macron's trajectory, however, suggests a bypassing of such formative experiences.
This lack may have much to do with his inability to project genuine charisma. As the political landscape evolves, the era of meticulously crafted, media-savvy leaders may be yielding to one of figures whose appeal is rooted in authentic, lived experience.
Statement
As 21st-century leaders face geopolitical and societal upheavals, charisma is no longer a luxury—it is a core asset. The contrast between technocratic figures like Emmanuel Macron and instinctual leaders such as Giorgia Meloni or Volodymyr Zelensky reveals a profound shift: legitimacy now hinges on perceived authenticity, not elite grooming. Charisma rooted in lived experience, moral clarity, and resilience resonates more deeply with modern electorates. As global challenges proliferate, the next generation of leaders will be judged less by credentials and more by their ability to inspire trust, navigate crises, and embody the courage their era demands.