Book Details Macron Marriage and Influence of Wife

A new book by Paris Match journalist Florian Tadif examines the relationship between French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte. The book draws on accounts from advisers and friends to describe their private interactions and her role in his career.

"Un couple (presque) parfait," published last Wednesday, states that Macron panics if he cannot see his wife. A former palace adviser told the author that Macron calls out for Brigitte until he locates her and then calms down. The book reports that Macron told Brigitte Macron's chief of staff at the start of his presidency in 2017 that her unhappiness would prevent him from completing his term.

One ex-special adviser said she is the only person who can make him change his mind.

The book also addresses speculation about a relationship between Macron and Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani. Tadif said the pair have a platonic relationship, according to repeated accounts from their entourage. Close associates of Brigitte Macron told Le Parisien that she denied to the author on March 5 that she had discovered text messages between her husband and Farahani.

Elysee officials had previously stated the couple was having a laugh at the time of the reported incident.

The book states that Brigitte Macron blocked a referendum announcement in 2025 over concerns it could lead to a vote of no confidence. Macron drafted 17 versions of an op-ed before deciding against publication, after which aides reportedly asked where the article had gone.

Tadif wrote that Macron needs to know and understand everything before speaking publicly. The author described this as the syndrome of the good pupil.