New year addresses: What world leaders are sayingpublished at 22:12 Greenwich Mean Time
Many world leaders have been looking back on 2024 and looking ahead to the coming year.
Russian President Vladimir Putin used his new year message to tell his country “we are confident that everything will be fine, we will only move forward”. He also paid tribute to soldiers fighting in Ukraine.
In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky celebrated those who have been fighting for the country’s independence and looked forward to 2025.
“Ukraine stands firmly on its feet, does not bow its head, looks ahead and believes in its future and victory,” he told the country in an address. “I thank you for 2024. Our people who endure all difficulties with dignity People for whom being citizens of Ukraine is a source of pride.”
Xi Jinping, China’s president, said the economy was “overall stable and progressing” and they will overcome new challenges with “hard work”.
In France, President Emmanuel Macron said his decision to dissolve the French National Assembly “brought more instability to the Assembly than solutions for the French”.
He also spoke of security, referencing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, attacks in Europe, the events in Syria and elections in Georgia.
Image source, ReutersEmmanuel Macron’s televised address to the French people included references to the country’s political situation
