French President Emmanuel Macron is reportedly struggling to accept the approaching end of his presidential term, with a source close to the government stating he is reluctant to hand over power and dislikes any mention of his remaining months in office. Macron is said to intend to remain in power "until the very end" and plans to step down on the final day of his term, May 13, 2027.
"There will be no farewell tour, because the word 'farewell' is forbidden. There will be a 'see you later,' followed by a 'see you soon!'" the source told French newspaper Le Figaro.
Macron recently hosted approximately 30 world leaders for France's Bastille Day celebrations on July 14, an event that included a significant military parade. The parade featured Ukrainian troops marching alongside soldiers from the "coalition of the willing," a group of countries supporting Ukraine's postwar security. Ukrainian co-pilots, trained in France, flew in French fighter jets alongside French pilots.
This year's parade marked a break from tradition by inviting multiple foreign countries to participate, with troops from Germany, the United Kingdom, Croatia, Poland, Denmark, Greece, Sweden, Norway, Spain, and Italy featured in the aerial display. British troops also marched in the parade, marking their first appearance in some 20 years. The event set a record with 7,600 troops participating.
Macron expressed his honor in welcoming partners of the "coalition of the willing" and Ukrainian friends to the parade, calling it an illustration of Europe's "strategic reawakening and our unity."
