Overview
- The Élysée signals a strong international focus on Ukraine and European defense, with a Paris meeting of the Coalition of Volunteers in early January to finalize security guarantees for Kyiv.
- Domestically, Macron will spotlight three priorities for 2026: a voluntary national service, tighter regulation of social networks—particularly for young users—and end-of-life legislation.
- The end-of-life package is scheduled to open in the Senate on January 20 before returning to the Assembly, with a referendum kept in reserve if the process stalls.
- Social-media measures are expected in January following Macron’s national debates, with options such as stronger age thresholds under discussion.
- The push comes as he lacks a parliamentary majority and the 2026 budget remains unsettled, with polling placing his approval near record lows.