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French President Emmanuel Macron has insisted that France does not want to trigger a third world war in its support for Ukraine, while also proposing multiple referendums on key reforms as part of his plan for the remaining two years of his presidency.
In a lengthy three-hour television appearance on Tuesday evening, Macron stressed the need for peace in Ukraine but made clear France’s continued backing for Kyiv’s defence against Russia’s invasion.
“We must help Ukraine defend itself, but we do not want to unleash a Third World War,” he said, adding that the war must end with Ukraine in the strongest possible position for negotiations.
Although cautious on military escalation, Macron signalled a shift in France’s nuclear policy by stating his openness to discussions with European partners about deploying French nuclear-armed aircraft on their soil — mirroring current US arrangements in countries like Germany, Belgium and Italy. “We are ready to open this discussion,” he said, promising to outline a framework for such talks in the coming weeks.
Macron’s comments come with renewed attempts to position himself as an international statesman, following setbacks at home that included a failed snap parliamentary election, which gave the far-right a dominant presence in the National Assembly and left his centrist alliance weakened.
Nevertheless, the French leader has appeared reinvigorated in recent months, not only on the global stage but also in domestic matters.
He proposed holding several national referendums simultaneously on “major” social and economic issues, aiming to revive democratic engagement and pass reforms. These could include controversial topics such as reducing France’s public debt, regulating minors’ access to social media, and legalising assisted dying.
However, Macron rejected calls to include immigration in the proposed referendums, despite persistent pressure from right-wing and far-right parties.
During the live broadcast, Macron fielded questions from a range of figures — from CGT union leader Sophie Binet to popular fitness influencer Tibo Inshape. Addressing concerns about possible job losses at steelmaker ArcelorMittal, he ruled out nationalising the firm’s French operations but pledged to protect its two domestic plants.
On the sensitive issue of secularism in sport, Macron reiterated his opposition to religious symbols, including the Islamic veil, in official competitions. However, he said that decisions on non-competitive sporting events should be left to the relevant federations.
Now aged 47, Macron is constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term when his mandate ends in 2027. Although it is theoretically possible for him to return in 2032, no former president has ever made such a comeback. Asked about his post-presidency plans, Macron simply replied: “I haven’t thought about it yet. I’m focused on France.”
