Emmanuel Macron’s New Year Address 2025: A Call for Reflection
In a departure from tradition, President Emmanuel Macron delivered his shortest New Year’s address since 2017 on December 31st, highlighting the successes of 2024 and hinting at a potential consultation with the French people in 2025.
A Fresh Approach to New Year’s Wishes
On the final night of a tumultuous 2024 marked by the failed dissolution of the National Assembly and a significant loss of influence, Emmanuel Macron sought to usher in a new chapter by shaking up the customary New Year’s wishes to the French people on Tuesday, December 31st.
For the first time in over sixty years, the traditional presidential address began with a short video, narrated in an off-screen voice by the President himself. « Together, this year, we have proven that the impossible is not French, » he declared as images showcasing the « French pride » of 2024 unfolded, from the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Liberation to the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, not forgetting the Olympic Games, a « forgettable moment in the life of the nation. »
These images depicted « a united country, from Saint-Denis to Tahiti, » « a France full of audacity, panache, and wildly free. » « We succeeded because we were together. United, determined, and supportive, » he concluded.
A Transparent Reflection
Embracing innovation in form, Macron, filmed in a close-up shot in the winter garden of the presidential palace, also engaged in a reflective moment, addressing the severe political crisis triggered by the dissolution of the National Assembly with a more pronounced mea culpa than the one hinted at the beginning of December.
Acknowledging that the political instability resulting from the dissolution is not unique to France and also affects « our German friends, » the President admitted that the decision has brought more division than solutions to the French people. Macron expressed regret, stating, « If I decided to dissolve, it was to give you a voice, to regain clarity, and to avoid the immobilism that was threatening. »
Conclusion
In this rare moment of contrition, Macron recognized the unintended consequences of his decision, taking full responsibility for the increased instability rather than serenity it has caused. The President’s address sets the tone for a year that promises reflection, unity, and a renewed focus on the needs of the French people.