Politis

Macron Responds to Trump at Davos: 'We Prefer Respect to Bullying'

Published January 20, 2026, 16:27
Macron Responds to Trump at Davos: 'We Prefer Respect to Bullying'

French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a pointed response to Donald Trump's policies and rhetoric during his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Macron emphasized his preference for respect and the rule of law over 'bullying' and 'barbarism,' clearly alluding to the former US president's approach to international affairs. He also expressed concern about the weakening of NATO, linking it to Trump's past desire to acquire Greenland. Macron affirmed France and Europe's commitment to national sovereignty and independence, as well as to international organizations like the United Nations. He also stated his intention to transform the G7, currently presided over by France, into a forum for honest dialogue and collective problem-solving. The French President warned that the European Union should not succumb to 'the law of the strongest' and expressed dismay at the possibility of the EU needing to employ counter-coercion measures against the United States. This statement highlights the growing tension in trade relations between the EU and the US. Separately, France's Ambassador to the UN, Jérôme Bonafon, announced France's determination to promote UN reform and strengthen the effectiveness of the Security Council in 2026. He stressed the need for action rather than mere rhetoric, as the international environment becomes increasingly unstable and violent.