During his annual New Year address to French armed forces on Thursday, President Emmanuel Macron opened with lighthearted remarks about a visible eye condition before delving into substantial military policy discussions. Appearing at the Istres military base in southern France with a noticeably swollen and reddened eye, the president assured attendees the condition was “completely harmless” and humorously referenced the ‘Eye of the Tiger’ from the iconic Rocky III theme song as a metaphor for determination.
The president had earlier worn sunglasses during an outdoor inspection of troops, but removed them for his formal address where he outlined France’s strategic military priorities for 2026. Macron emphasized the nation’s accelerated rearmament program and reaffirmed France’s ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine amidst continued regional conflicts.
Additionally, the president announced a significant decision to deploy French troops to Greenland in a demonstration of solidarity with Denmark, marking a notable development in European defense cooperation. The speech balanced serious policy announcements with the president’s characteristic wit, creating a moment of levity while maintaining the gravity of the military address. The combination of personal humor and substantive policy direction characterized Macron’s approach to engaging with France’s armed forces leadership.