And yet he is the President of the United States of America. Now comes news of Emmanuel Macron sweeping the French Presidential Elections, clinching over 66% of the vote. He too is a political newbie.
Nobody knew Emmanuel Macron three years ago. But on the 7th of May 2017, the people put their faith in him and voted for him to be their next president. He is barely 39 years old with a resume that includes a civil service stint and an investment banking job, after which he was picked by the then French President Hollande to act as an advisor and the economy minister. His quit to begin his own political movement (En Marche - On The Move) barely over a year ago. This was his first election campaign. He will now lead France - a powerhouse of the European Union, the only one with a UNSC seat (after Britain actually exits).
Both Trump and Macron felt the pulse of the people, they rightly sensed the mood and persuaded the electorates in their favour. Their victory is a sign of change. Deep political pockets and decades of experience are perhaps no longer necessary. Macron started his movement from scratch, from a room with a few close confidants, no banner, no official backing and no experience on how to contest an election, let alone a presidential one. Yet he won.
Why are the voters willing to give unconventional candidates a chance to be on the hot seat. It could be because of a deep disillusionment with the political system. The same faces, chanting the same slogans.