Paris, Jan 1 (NationPress) French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged that dissolving the French National Assembly in June created more division than resolution.
The dissolution aimed to give the voice back to the French and regain clarity, "but lucidity and humility require us to recognise that, at this time, this decision has produced more instability than serenity and I take full responsibility for that," Macron stated during his annual New Year's Eve address on Tuesday night.
Macron dissolved parliament in June after the far right trounced his alliance in European elections. He called for snap parliamentary elections, which resulted in a hung parliament and the resignation of Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Michel Barnier followed Attal but was ousted in a no-confidence vote on December 4.
Macron expressed gratitude to the three prime ministers who served in 2024 — Elisabeth Borne, Gabriel Attal, and Michel Barnier — and extended his best wishes to Francois Bayrou, the fourth Prime Minister appointed after Barnier's removal.
Regarding Europe’s security, Macron emphasized the need for self-reliance, stating that the continent can no longer delegate its security to other powers. "In 2025, France must continue investing in military rearmament to ensure sovereignty, protect our interests, and guarantee the safety of our compatriots," he added.
He also urged Europe to quicken its efforts in taking charge of its defence and border security. "There will be no prosperity without security and France, through its diplomatic and military power, always has a role to play in this regard," Macron noted.
Reflecting on 2024, he highlighted France’s role as the host of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris and celebrated the reopening of the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral.
Looking forward, Macron expressed hope that 2025 would be a year of collective recovery, driven by action and unity, to bring stability, make sound decisions, and strengthen France's independence amid global instability. He called on the French to contribute to accomplishing the tasks outlined for 2025, bringing hope, prosperity, and peace.
