French novelist Michel Houellebecq has been awarded the Legion d'honneur by the French President Emmanuel Macron at a ceremony held last week, the Elysee Palace announced.

The 63-year-old controversial writer is known for his severe criticism of modern France; however, Macron hailed him as a romantic whose writings are full of hope.

His most recent novel “Serotonin” was described as prophetic by critics for predicting the “yellow vests” protest movement in the country. His previous novel “Submission” foresees that France will elect a Muslim president in 2022 and be subject to Sharia law.