Macron is facing another year of challenges as he grapples with the continuing wars in Ukraine and Gaza and a realigned global order on the international stage while facing falling popularity ratings at home.
Some 63 percent of French people did not intend to watch the annual New Year's address, according to the latest Toluna/Harris Interactive poll for LCI news channel, while the president's approval rating is at its lowest since 2017 at 25 percent.
Macron will attempt to regain some momentum and launch the final projects of his second five-year term during his New Year's address.
Macron "will be keen to show that he will do everything to ensure that 2026 is a year of action, a year of purpose", those close to him said ahead of his speech.
The framework of his address is already in place, with the challenges posed by the war in Ukraine – which will enter its fifth year in February – to figure prominently.
Other topics that will be addressed include social media regulation, the return of a voluntary conscription service in France and legislation on end-of-life care.
Macron wants to ensure that 2026 will be characterised by action and progress on a number of fronts, his entourage said.
Without "falling into blind optimism", Macron will also seek to combat the trend of "French bashing" – denigrating France – which is so often pushed by the "self-proclaimed patriots" on the far right.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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