国际英语新闻:Macron admits failure, but sticks to contested reforms

PARIS, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday admitted "I'm not perfect," but he recalled his determination to reform Europe's main powerhouse that may further fuel social roar and cost him his place at the Elysee Palace.

Speaking to TF1 television on the Charles de Gaulle carrier, Europe's only nuclear-powered surface aircraft carrier, Macron said he was aware of the French's "impatience" and "anger. "

Dogged by critics for having a vertical, monarchical way of governing and a reputation of arrogance, France's youngest top official in its modern history, said he regretted his failure in "reconciling the French people with their leaders."

"That affects me. If it only affects myself, it would not matter. This divorce worries me... " he said.

Macron added "I may have made mistakes." However, he vowed "to maintain the course and think about the fate of the nation and not (his) image.

"When the polls are not good, I'm not going to say that it's nice. But, we will have to reform the state in depth... Do you think I can stop or complain? " he asked.

Upon his inauguration in May 2017, Macron pledged that his first mission would be uniting the French people, facing all challenges and getting the country out of crisis.

Since then, he had been changing labor code and pension, proposing to inject dynamism into public services and institutions and reforming rail sector and education system, areas where he was facing fierce opposition that drew thousands to the country's streets in addition to rolling strikes.

Further social movement and blockades across the country's cities are planned on Saturday to oppose a government plan to hike tax on fuel.

"Many predecessors during last decades had changed their course when they faced difficulties. Me, I won't do so, because it's the inconsistency," the 40-year-old head of state told the TV channel.

"I understand that there are disappointed people, but ... I do not want to change the course. We are in a moment of transition. This takes time and it's the time of our institutions," he stressed.

An Elabe survey released earlier this month, showed Macron's popularity dropped to a new low with 27 percent of positive opinions, down by three percentage points as his package of reforms and fiscal drive to transform the country failed to win public support.

The pollster noted that this month's approval ratings were the worst score for Macron who failed to meet his goals of creating more wealth and jobs.