It's a new day that Emmanuel Macron has just spent at the Élysée Palace in the costume of President of the Republic.
And only as President of the Republic.
The war in Ukraine has upset the smooth running of the world, of Europe and on a completely different scale, of the end of this five-year term.
Read alsoFollow the latest information on the war in Ukraine in our live
Two short days before the deadline for declaration of candidacy to the Constitutional Council, the Head of State solemnly presented himself to the French at 8 p.m.
And not to announce his desire to run for a second term.
A recorded intervention.
“Russia is the aggressor”
"French, French, since the brutal attack launched by President Putin, Russian forces have been bombarding Kiev, besieging the most important cities of the country," he began.
Emmanuel Macron expects the coming days to be harder and harder, as more and more refugees arrive in neighboring countries.
The Ukrainian president is "the face of honor, of bravery", he continues.
The Head of State ensures that this war can in no way be attributed to NATO or Europe.
“President Putin chose war alone and deliberately.
This war is not a conflict between NATO on the one hand and Russia on the other.
Russia is not attacked, it is the aggressor,” he denounces.
“France and Europe responded immediately”
For him, this war is the fruit of a spirit of revenge nourished by a revisionist spirit of the history of Europe.
"France and Europe responded immediately, unanimously, firmly," he says.
He recalls the sending of military equipment and humanitarian aid.
He welcomes the "overwhelming" vote obtained at the UN to condemn this act of war.
“We will continue to work hard to lead nations to condemn the invasion,” he said.
The President of the Republic boasts of the work done to protect the French, assuring that everything has been done to allow the French to leave Ukraine.
Remember, however, that Jean-Yves Le Drian had regretted not being able to exfiltrate the French directly, only being able to take charge of them once they crossed the border.
"I also chose to stay in touch with President Putin"
His goal, he says, is to get the fighting to stop.
Emmanuel Macron recalls, however, that France "is not at war against Russia", thinking of the Russians who are also suffering a war that they did not want.
"I also chose to stay in contact with President Putin," he said, to convince him "to give up arms and prevent contagion and the widening of the conflict."
Read alsoWar in Ukraine: Macron and the red telephone strategy
This war will shake up Europe, he anticipates.
The refugees will be welcomed on the continent and France "will take its part", he promises.
"We organize ourselves and take care of those who come to our soil to be protected."
A “resilience plan” against rising prices
“Economic sectors are suffering and will suffer,” he promises.
Growth will inevitably be affected.
Faced with these difficulties, Emmanuel Macron promises to protect the French.
We will provide appropriate responses to the increase in prices.
Emmanuel Macron instructed Jean Castex not to implement a resilience plan.
A summit on March 10 and 11
For the Head of State, Europe is facing a change of era.
“Democracy is being called into question, before our eyes,” he said.
Faced with this brutal return to tragedy, Emmanuel Macron proposes to pursue the strategy of dependence and investment in Europe.
"Europe must agree to pay the price of peace", he explains, to "decide for itself".
Thus, Emmanuel Macron defends a new economic model based on progress.
This independence, he says, must also concern energy.
Emmanuel Macron will bring together the European Heads of State and Government in Versailles on March 10 and 11 to act in this direction, and also to discuss the Europe of defense which “must take a new step”.
There remain the national issues: the presidential campaign.
“It will allow an important democratic debate for the Nation.
I know I can count on you, your attachment to freedom,” he said.
This is the second time that Emmanuel Macron has addressed his compatriots directly.
He had already done so six days ago, on the evening of the Russian invasion, during a short five-minute speech.
He had then promised to return to the French to
"
hold them
informed of developments in the situation and the decisions made.