Recently at the World Economic Forum in Davos 2026, President Emmanuel Macron made waves with a powerful message: it’s time to choose respect over bullies and the rule of law over brutality. 🕶️🌍
Responding to US President Donald Trump’s threat of new tariffs against countries opposing his plans for Greenland, Macron stressed that “France and Europe are attached to national sovereignty and independence, to the United Nations and to its charter.” He warned against a “shift towards a world without rules” and urged a stronger, more autonomous Europe to stand firm.
Macron even joked about his aviator sunglasses and bloodshot eye, saying he’d “do our best to have a stronger Europe, much stronger and more autonomous.” He called out “competition from the US through trade deals that undermine our export interests” and slammed “endless tariffs… unacceptable when used as leverage against territorial sovereignty.”
In simple terms: science over conspiracies, rule of law over might, and collective governance over cut-throat rivalry. For young changemakers in South and Southeast Asia, this is a reminder that global leadership thrives on respect, fairness and unity. 🤝✨
Reference(s):
Macron: 'We prefer respect to bullies, and rule of law to brutality'
cgtn.com
