Macron vows to serve “until last second” of his term amid political turmoil

French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to remain in office until the “last second” of his second term, despite facing unprecedented domestic challenges and calls for his resignation, Le Monde reports.

Speaking in a televised New Year’s Eve address, Macron stated, “I will be at work until the very last second, striving each day to live up to the mandate you entrusted to me.”

Macron’s announcement comes as his approval ratings hit record lows since he first assumed the presidency in 2017. Political gridlock has plagued France following Macron’s gamble in 2024 to call snap elections, which resulted in the loss of his parliamentary majority and a surge in far-right influence.

The upcoming 2027 presidential election will mark Macron’s final full year in office, as he is ineligible for re-election after serving two consecutive terms. Reflecting on the importance of a peaceful transition, the president emphasized, “I will do everything I can to ensure the presidential election proceeds as calmly as possible — in particular without any foreign interference.”

Despite challenges at home, Macron maintained a prominent international profile in 2025, notably in efforts to address the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Domestically, however, he has faced mounting criticism, even from former allies. Sébastien Lecornu, Macron’s third prime minister since the snap polls, has struggled to pass a critical austerity budget through the hung parliament. The legislature recently adopted an emergency law to keep the government operational.

“From the very first weeks of the year now starting, government and parliament will have to come to agreements to provide the nation with a budget,” Macron said. “It is essential.”

Calls for early elections have come from several quarters, including Macron’s former prime minister Édouard Philippe, a 2027 presidential candidate, and far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who suggested dissolving parliament and even proposed that Macron resign.

Highlighting domestic priorities for the year ahead, Macron stated, “This year has to be — and will be — a useful year.” He also underscored plans to protect children and teenagers from social media and screen exposure. 

By Vafa Guliyeva