On the evening of December 31st (local time), French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a New Year's address for 2024, filled with major events that have put France at the center of attention on the international stage.
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| French President Emmanuel Macron speaks on television on December 31, 2023. (Source: AFP) |
In his brief speech, President Macron extended his best wishes to all French citizens and expressed “gratitude to all our fellow citizens who have protected, cared for, helped, and ensured the continuity of national life.”
He hopes that "in the context of the current crisis, the best can emerge" and that 2024 will be a year of "pride for the French people".
Before addressing his priorities for the new year, President Macron affirmed that 2023 would be a year of innovation, as France "is certainly one of the Western countries making the most decisions," including pension reforms which he acknowledged were unpopular, and the adoption of new immigration laws seen as necessary tools to curb illegal immigration but to help those intending to stay in France integrate better.
Referring to the continuing international upheaval, President Macron said he wanted to make 2024 a “year of determination” and affirmed that it would also be a year of decisive choices, especially as the June elections will determine whether Europe will be stronger and more sovereign or move in the opposite direction.
Regarding environmental issues, President Macron affirmed that in 2024 he will continue to implement ecological plans and that France, the country with the lowest carbon electricity production in Europe, will completely end the use of coal by 2027.
He emphasized that this is a priority that France will promote internationally.
President Macron also expressed his determination to push forward "major projects" such as nuclear energy and especially artificial intelligence, so that by 2027 France "will be 10 years ahead, whereas in 2017 it was 10 years behind."
He also pledged that in 2024 he would promote “efforts to simplify the lives of entrepreneurs, farmers, traders, artisans, members of parliament…as well as in many areas, including housing.”
According to observers, 2024 promises to be a year of major political and diplomatic events for France, which the French leader can use to make his personal mark during the remainder of his second, equally challenging, five-year term.
Emmanuel Macron officially launched his campaign for the French presidency in August 2016. He surprised his opponents and experts by building a large base of support among ordinary workers and gaining the backing of center-left and center-right politicians.
In May 2017, he officially won the French presidential election with 66.06% of the vote compared to 33.94% for his opponent, Marine Le Pen.
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