French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a forceful address at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, warning that “imperial ambitions are resurfacing” and calling attention to a growing shift toward autocracy and global instability.

Macron began on a lighter note, noting that it was “a time of peace, stability and predictability,” drawing laughter from the audience. He then pivoted sharply to global security concerns, citing more than 60 wars in 2024 alone and the normalization of conflict.

“It’s a shift towards a world without rules, where international law is trampled underfoot, and where the only law that seems to matter is that of the strongest,” Macron said.

Turning to economic issues, the French leader criticized U.S. trade policies, particularly tariffs, which he described as “openly aimed to weaken and subordinate Europe.” He condemned what he called relentless competition from the United States that undermines European exports, demands maximum concessions, and leverages tariffs against territorial sovereignty.

Macron urged Europe to defend multilateralism, asserting that it serves the interests of nations refusing to submit to force. He also emphasized the need for Europe to respond to low growth, noting structural challenges including American overconsumption, Chinese under consumption and overinvestment, and European underinvestment.

“Protection doesn’t mean protectionism,” Macron said, “but today’s Europeans are too naïve. We are the only ones not protecting our own companies and markets when other countries ignore the rules of a level playing field.”

He also highlighted the importance of strategic foreign investment, calling for increased Chinese direct investment in key European sectors to drive growth and technology transfer.

Macron’s appearance came amid questions over his health, as he has been wearing sunglasses in recent public appearances due to photosensitivity from a minor eye issue—a burst blood vessel that French media have reported is neither disease nor infection.