In the last evening of the year 2024, marked by the failed dissolution of the National Assembly and the loss of a large part of his influence, Emmanuel Macron, perhaps hoping to turn the page, shook up the ritual of New Year’s wishes to the French on Tuesday, December 31st. For the first time in over sixty years, the traditional presidential address opened with a short video, commented in voice-over by the head of state. Macron mentioned that together in 2024, they had proved that “impossible wasn’t French”, showcasing French achievements such as the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Liberation, the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, and the Olympic Games, which he described as an unforgettable moment in the nation’s life. The images shown demonstrated “a united country, from Saint-Denis to Tahiti”, “a France full of audacity, panache, and wildly free.” Macron concluded by stating that they had succeeded because they had been together, united, determined, and solidary.
Emmanuel Macron, filmed in close-up in the winter garden of the presidential palace, also spoke about the serious political crisis that the dissolution of the National Assembly had plunged the country into, offering a more pronounced mea culpa than he had previously. He acknowledged that the political instability that had ensued was not unique to France, and also affected their German friends. Macron admitted that the dissolution had brought more divisions than solutions for the French, despite initially justifying this decision a few weeks earlier. He explained that the goal of dissolving the assembly was to give the people a voice, regain clarity, and prevent stagnation, but the decision had ultimately led to more instability than serenity. Macron showed humility by taking responsibility for the consequences of his decision.
The article continues to elaborate on Macron’s reflections on the challenges faced by France in 2024, highlighting the difficulties brought about by the political crisis and the need for unity and collaboration to overcome them. Macron stressed the importance of solidarity and cooperation in addressing common challenges and working towards a better future for all. Despite the setbacks and divisions caused by the dissolution of the National Assembly, Macron expressed his commitment to finding solutions and moving forward together with the French people. He emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes and remaining resolute in the face of adversity.
As Macron wrapped up his New Year’s message, he expressed optimism for the future and urged the French people to remain united and resilient in the face of challenges. He called for a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive society that values diversity and promotes equality. Macron’s message resonated with many viewers, who appreciated his candidness and humility in addressing the mistakes made in the past year. Overall, Macron’s New Year’s speech served as a reflection on the events of 2024 and a call to action for the year ahead, emphasizing the importance of unity, solidarity, and shared responsibility in the face of uncertainty and change.
