President Emmanuel Macron delivered his New Year's wishes to the French on Wednesday evening for 2026, stating that this year «must be and will be a useful year». In a short address lasting less than ten minutes, he addressed domestic and international challenges while reaffirming his commitment until the end of his term.
Emmanuel Macron delivered his ninth New Year's address to the French on December 31, 2025, at 8 p.m., in a sober televised speech lasting about ten minutes. Approaching the end of his second term, the head of state emphasized his dedication: «I will be at work until the very last second, striving every day to live up to the mandate you have entrusted to me». He described 2026 as a «useful year», calling for swift agreements on the state budget between the government and parliament in the first weeks, while thanking Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.
Among priority projects, Macron highlighted the initial steps of the voluntary national service for youth, a bill in January to ban social networks for adolescents, and the completion of legislation on end-of-life issues, with the text set for Senate review starting January 20. He did not rule out a referendum if debates stall.
On the political front, he mentioned the 2027 presidential election, which he will not contest, and pledged to shield it from foreign interference, particularly manipulations on social media. An indirect jab at his former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, who called for an early election, underscores his refusal to resign.
Internationally, facing the «return of empires» and challenges to the world order, Macron advocated accelerating the «Europe of defense». A meeting of the coalition of the willing will take place on January 6 in Paris to support Ukraine and aim for lasting peace. He also called for fair trade rules to protect Europe's industry and agriculture.
Acknowledging France's divisions – declining birth rates, insecurity, purchasing power – and global «disorders», he presented a positive assessment of growth and employment, urging to «resist the air of the time» with more benevolence and humanity. His wish: to reconcile climate, biodiversity, growth, and independence for a more solidary nation.
