Emmanuel Macron’s new year’s wishes: A review of 2024 and a call to action for 2025

Emmanuel Macron presented his New Year’s wishes to the French on December 31, marked by an unprecedented and unstable political context, following the dissolution of the National Assembly in June 2024. This was his eighth year-end address, but the first since the appointment of François Bayrou as Prime Minister. It was an opportunity for him to reflect on the events of the past year and look ahead to 2025, which he wants to be marked by “collective recovery.”

A retrospective video and a message of unity
For the first time, Emmanuel Macron’s address was preceded by a video recounting the key moments of 2024: from the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, to the reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. “Together, this year, we proved that the impossible is not French,” said the president, urging the French to “keep the best of what we have been.” He emphasized the need for a united, determined, and supportive France in 2025.

A mea culpa on the dissolution of the National Assembly
Emmanuel Macron acknowledged that the dissolution of the National Assembly in June created more divisions than solutions, admitting that this decision resulted in more instability than serenity. “I take full responsibility,” he added, while emphasizing that the Assembly, although fractured, remains legitimate and represents the diversity of the country, including its divisions.

A call to “make decisions” on “crucial issues” in 2025
The president announced that, for 2025, the French would be asked to “make decisions” on “crucial issues.” Although the details were not specified, this could include referendums or new citizen conventions on issues such as end-of-life care or climate. “We will continue to decide, and I will also ask you to make decisions on certain crucial issues,” he stated, highlighting the importance of swift action for the country’s stability.

A “European Awakening” for 2025
In his address, Emmanuel Macron also emphasized the need for a “European awakening,” calling for a more proactive Europe in the face of economic, scientific, and environmental challenges. “Europeans must put an end to naivety,” he insisted, stressing the importance of breaking free from external dependencies and strengthening European choices in key areas like agriculture, industry, energy, and ecology.

Emmanuel Macron concluded his address by calling for faster decisions and greater investment to ensure the competitiveness and stability of France in an increasingly demanding international context.