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In different countries around the world, term limits exist on the amount of time various leaders can remain in power. Ideally, term limits should stop leaders from becoming complacent, losing touch with the public after extended periods in office, or succumbing to tyrannical impulses. Despite these clear objectives, not everyone looks favorably upon term limits. Some believe voters should have the ultimate say on how many terms a president can serve in office. Then, there are various countries, such as Russia, where the leader in power has ascertained how to circumvent term limits. These restrictions on power are once again in the international limelight, though. Just earlier this month, President Emmanuel Macron of France sounded off against term limits.

French term limits face pushback

In France, the president can only serve two five-year terms. After that, the nation's constitution bars the president from pursuing a third stint in office. However, Macron doesn't look favorably upon this by any means. During a meeting with various French officials last week, the president rebuked term limits as "d*mnable b*llsh*t." With Macron initially winning the presidency in 2017 and securing a second term in 2022, he now has until 2027 before he must constitutionally leave office. Reportedly, the French president's remarks on term limits materialized after right-wing National Rally leader Jordan Bardella suggested the country's presidential terms should last for seven years, instead of five. So far, the French presidential palace has yet to make any public statement concerning Macron's take on term limits.

More happening in France

Earlier this year, Macron found himself in the eye of the storm. French citizens took to the streets at the onset of this year in strong protest against increasing the national retirement age to 64. More than one million folks across the country argued the initial retirement age of 62 was better for workers. Despite the considerable backlash across his nation, Macron made it clear that he wasn't budging on the decision to move the retirement age. As the French president's time in office gets closer to an end, the world will eagerly watch to see which successor takes his place.