Macron Urges World to Reject ‘Law of the Jungle’
French President Emmanuel Macron has urged world leaders to defend international law and the United Nations system against a return to power politics, warning that countries face a choice between a rules-based international order and what he described as the “law of the jungle.”
Macron Defends UN and International Law
Addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Macron warned against allowing military and economic power to override national sovereignty and international rules.
He argued that weakening multilateral institutions would leave smaller nations increasingly vulnerable to coercion by more powerful states. Macron called on countries to resist what he described as a growing acceptance of unilateral force and to recommit to international cooperation.
The address is expected to be Macron’s final UN General Assembly speech as French president before his current term ends in 2027.
Macron Calls for Ukraine Strike Moratorium
Macron also focused on the Russia-Ukraine war, calling for a moratorium on attacks against civilian and energy infrastructure.
France has been working with international partners to pursue reciprocal restrictions on such strikes as Ukraine faces continued attacks against its energy network. Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Ukraine and its sovereignty.
Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Draws Macron Criticism
The French President also highlighted the continuing humanitarian situation in Gaza and questioned the credibility of the international community if civilians remain without sufficient protection and humanitarian assistance.
Macron’s wider message centred on preserving a multilateral system in which international law restrains the use of power, arguing that global crises cannot be sustainably addressed through force alone.
