Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
PQRIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron says he wants to achieve peace in 2018 in the battle against Islamic extremism — in Syria, Africa's Sahel as well as in his own country.
In his first New Year's speech as president, 40-year-old Macron said the new year will be "crucial" to France, to Europe and to the world.
He made a direct address to European citizens, urging them to voice their wishes about what they would like Europe to become.
"I deeply believe Europe can become that economic, social, environment-friendly, scientific power that will be able to face China, the United States", he said Sunday.
He also pledged to focus on labor measures to "allow every worker to earn more", in a country affected for years by high unemployment and economic stagnation.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
