Starting his speech with the statement that "the time of peace, stability, and predictability" has arrived, he elicited laughter from the audience. Nevertheless, Macron later noted that the world is currently engulfed in "instability and imbalance," and that "conflicts have become the norm." He also added that humanity is entering an era without rules, reminding of the numerous wars that engulfed 2025, and mentioned that "some of them have already been resolved," which can be interpreted as criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Macron concluded: "We prefer respect over bullies."
It is worth noting that earlier the French president declined Trump's invitation to join his initiative "Peace Council for Gaza," after which Trump threatened to raise tariffs on French wine and champagne to 200%. "Well, he is not needed by anyone because he will soon leave his post. I will impose 200% tariffs on his wines and champagne, and he will join," Trump said.
Before his speech in Davos, the Élysée Palace criticized Trump's tariff policy, stating that tariffs are not a solution to global challenges or economic imbalances. The president's administration noted that U.S. actions confirm Macron's long-standing position on the need for European strategic autonomy.
Macron's speech coincided with an extraordinary EU summit scheduled for Thursday. On the same day, he proposed to Trump to hold a meeting in Paris for dinner and an expanded G7 meeting.
Earlier, Trump agreed to meet in Davos during a conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, but continued to emphasize that Greenland is "extremely important" for the security of the U.S. and the entire world.
