Dogged by critics, Macron defends credibility in TV appearance

French President Emmanuel Macron defended his political and economic credibility on Tuesday in an unexpected televised address amid a stagnant economy, high unemployment and plunging poll ratings that tainted his first 17 months at the presidency.

"I listen to critics," Macron said in a short allocution from the Elysee, admitting that "sometimes my determination or my true way of speaking could shock some".

In an attempt to reach out discontent people, Macron, widely criticized for his "jupiterian" ruling way, said "I know all the wounds of our old country, its doubts, its fears, and also its anger. I know there is impatience and I share it."

As his promises of better growth, more jobs and wealth remained on paper, the president argued "the time we are taking is that of our institutions. We have never deferred a decision that could be taken."

"To take control of our destiny, it will not be done in a day," he stressed.

Despite his package of reforms in education, rail sector and job market had bought thousands of people into streets and ignited social roar, Macron reiterated determination to "pursue profound changes."

With the aim, he announced "in the coming weeks, there will be structuring and historical decisions."

Dogged by opponents for having a vertical, monarchical way of governing, Macron suffered a further setback after a series of resignations that put his political craftiness into question.

He unveiled, earlier on Tuesday, a reshuffled cabinet in which he called loyal backers and new faces form different political backgrounds to inject new blood into his administration with which he could win again public support.

"In recent months we have seen the reappearance of division poison. But I have only one compass, the confidence you gave me in May 2017 to make our country an educational, economic, social and environmental power that has its place in Europe," he said.

"There is neither turning point nor change of course. You can be sure that there is a will for action, and that this will is even stronger today," he added.