The very one. In 2017, centrist Macron beat far-right Marine Le Pen with 66% of the vote. At 39 years old, he became France’s youngest leader since Napoleon. Fast forward five years and France got a rematch. But this time, his's win was narrower: 58.5-41.5%.
Why’s that?
A bunch of reasons. Macron has been trying to attract foreign business, set up carbon taxes, and reform France’s social programs. But hundreds of thousands of protesters weren’t having it. Add in COVID-19 and inflation and the French seemed prepared to do their usual: kick incumbents to le curb.
So why didn’t they?
Le Pen. Her party’s previous leader (Le Pen’s father) infamously dismissed the Holocaust as a “detail” of history. Today, Le Pen is pitching voters on a platform that is anti-immigrant, pro-tax cuts, targets Muslims, and weakens the EU. She has also cozied up to Russian President Vladimir Putin. With her loss, the EU is breathing a sigh of relief.
So what happens now?
Le Pen conceded but is calling her gains a “shining victory.” She says her party will be back for legislative elections in June. Meanwhile, Macron acknowledged the anger of those that voted against him.
theSkimm
Macron is the first French leader to get reelected in two decades. But over 13 million people in France still voted for the far-right. And 28% of voters decided to stay home, the highest percent to abstain in over 50 years. That’s not nothing.
And Also...This
Who wants to buy buy birdie…
Elon Musk. Yesterday, the Tesla CEO met with Twitter to discuss his “best and final” $43 billion offer. In recent weeks, Musk — the world’s wealthiest person — bought a 9% stake in Twitter and has even proposed taking it private. The reason: Musk claims that Twitter wasn’t fulfilling its mission of free speech. (It could have been an impulse pandemic buy, who knows.) Twitter didn’t immediately take the bait. Instead, the company has moved to prevent Musk from buying more than a 15% stake. Now, it’s come out that the company’s been meeting with Musk behind the scenes to negotiate over his offer amid shareholder pressure. Enemies-to-lovers plot here we (maybe) come.
What’s got parents concerned…
Gun deaths. New CDC research has found that guns were the leading cause of death among US children in 2020 — killing more than 4,300 kids and teens. That number, up nearly 30% from the year before outpaced deaths from car accidents and cancer. And was driven largely by firearm homicides — not suicides. It's believed to be connected to a rise in gun ownership during the pandemic. More than 5 million children now live in households with guns. Authors of the study say kids need to be saved from these “preventable” causes of death.
Who people are remembering…
Orrin Hatch. Over the weekend, the longest-serving Republican senator died at 88-years-old. The conservative Utah lawmaker served a total of 42 years (under seven US presidents) before retiring in 2019 — clearing the way for Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) to take his seat. Hatch was known for supporting religious freedom, tax cuts, limiting abortion, and expanding children’s health insurance. He also worked with lawmakers across the aisle in support of the DREAM Act. Politicians from President Biden to Hatch's Utah colleague Sen. Mike Lee (R) remembered the late senator as a “fighter” and “a giant of the Senate.”
Today’s the first day of World Immunization Week 2022. And it’s got us thinking back to 1796, when Edward Jenner discovered the smallpox — which also happened to be the world’s very first — vaccine. Thanks to him and a few global vaccination programs, smallpox was eradicated in 1980.
Now, UNICEF provides 45% of the world’s children with routine vaccinations. And every year, vaccines save up to 3 million children from deadly diseases. You can learn more about the organization’s 75-year history in the new film, “If You Have.” It was directed by Academy Award®-winning director Ben Proudfoot with his company Breakwater Studios. And executive produced by Orlando Bloom, Sofia Carson, and Lucy Liu. Plus, it juuuust might restore your faith in humanity (srsly). Watch now.
We're back with another term for all you go(al)-getters out there, curated with our friends at Porsche. Today, we're focusing on...
Frogs. That’s right. Have you ever heard someone say “eat the frog”? It means tackling the hardest task on your to-do list first. And it can make your days more productive and less stressful. If that sounds like something you can get behind, meet the new Porsche Macan. It’s designed for people who make the most of every day. (Hi, that’s you.) And it combines all the best parts of a sports car (like eye-catching style and increased performance) with the perks of a compact SUV (think: cargo space and all-wheel-drive). Plus, it’s the most customizable Macan ever. Learn more here.
Skimm Picks
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. A lightweight mineral sunscreen that’s better for you and the planet. This reel-safe SPF is fragrance-, sulfate-, and paraben-free. Plus it’s loaded with goat milk and aloe vera. For an extra soft (and nonsticky) feel. Oh, and you can snag two at a discount.*
2. A gut health supplement that’s more than just a probiotic. This brand’s new Synbiotic+ (yes that’s a thing) combines clinically studied prebiotics, probiotics, and a postbiotic all in one minty capsule. And Skimm’rs get $20 off their first order. Balanced gut microbiome, here you come.*
3. How to make a career out of saving the planet. We spoke with three women with very different roles about making Mama Earth maintenance a full-time job. And what companies like Walmart are doing to help. Eco inspo, coming right up.*
4. How to transform your vulnerabilities into strengths with Robin Roberts. In our latest ep of “9 to 5ish,” sponsored by Porsche, we chat with the “Good Morning America” co-anchor about what it’s really like sharing her personal struggles with millions. Listen up.*
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Kindred spirits…Lynn P (NJ). She’s on a mission to change the conversation about fertility by providing support and resources for those going through the family-building process. Check out her work here.
(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Jasmin Bharadiya (CA), Hank Azaria (NY), Hart Cole (WA), Megan Patel (IL), Alan Shain (MA), Gina Marcocci (PA), Kateri Budo (OH), Emily Glanton (MA), Hannah Riffle (IN), Courtney Lauer (MO), Alexandra Reuter (CO), Caitlin Chin (CT), Olivia Poulos (OR), Caroline Roberts (CA), Cassondra Hard (TN)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm More
Robin Roberts is no stranger to the limelight. But as an anchor at “Good Morning America” for over 15 years, she’s usually telling someone else’s story. This week on “9 to 5ish,” she shares her personal off-camera battles, how she exercises her optimism muscle, and how people respond to vulnerability. Listen now.
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Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj
