If François Bayrou had been elected President of the Republic in 2017, France would likely have experienced a significantly different political landscape than the one under Emmanuel Macron. Several key areas would have been impacted:

Domestic Policy:

• Centrist Governance: Bayrou's presidency would have been characterized by a centrist approach, aiming to bridge the gap between the left and the right. This could have resulted in a more consensual political climate, potentially reducing the polarization seen during Macron's tenure. However, achieving this consensus would have been a significant challenge, given the deep divisions within French society.
• Social Reforms: Bayrou's focus on social justice and environmental protection would likely have led to different social policies than those implemented by Macron. We might have seen a greater emphasis on social welfare programs, potentially including increased spending on education, healthcare, and unemployment benefits. Environmental regulations could have been stricter, with a stronger push for renewable energy and sustainable development.
• Economic Policy: Bayrou's economic policies would likely have been more interventionist than Macron's liberal approach. He might have prioritized supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and investing in infrastructure projects to stimulate economic growth. However, this could have led to concerns about increased public debt and potential inflationary pressures.
• European Union Relations: Bayrou is a strong supporter of the European Union, but his approach might have differed from Macron's. While both are pro-European, Bayrou's emphasis on social justice and environmental protection could have led to a different negotiating stance within the EU, potentially advocating for stronger social and environmental regulations at the European level.

Foreign Policy:

• International Relations: Bayrou's foreign policy would likely have been more multilateralist, emphasizing international cooperation and diplomacy. He might have adopted a less confrontational approach towards certain countries than Macron, potentially leading to different relationships with key global players.
• Defense and Security: While Bayrou is not known for a particularly hawkish stance, his approach to defense and security would likely have been influenced by the prevailing security concerns at the time. It's difficult to predict precisely how his policies would have differed from Macron's, but a greater emphasis on international cooperation in addressing security threats is plausible.

Challenges and Uncertainties:

• Governing Coalition: Bayrou's success would have heavily depended on his ability to form a stable governing coalition. Given his centrist position, he would have needed to secure the support of both left-leaning and right-leaning parties, a challenging task given the ideological divides within French politics. The stability of such a coalition would have been a major factor determining the success of his presidency.
• Public Opinion: Maintaining public support would have been crucial. Bayrou's relatively low level of name recognition compared to other candidates in 2017 could have posed a challenge in securing and maintaining public trust and support throughout his term.
• Unforeseen Events: External shocks and unforeseen events could have significantly impacted the trajectory of a Bayrou presidency. Global economic crises, terrorist attacks, or other unexpected developments could have altered his policy priorities and the overall political landscape.

In conclusion, a Bayrou presidency in 2017 would have presented a markedly different path for France, characterized by a more centrist, socially conscious, and potentially more consensual political climate. However, the success of such a presidency would have hinged on his ability to navigate the complex political landscape and overcome significant challenges in forming and maintaining a stable governing coalition and securing public support. The precise outcomes remain speculative, but this analysis highlights the potential key areas of divergence from the Macron presidency.