Macron warns of “world without rules” in Davos speech

France's President Emmanuel Macron attends the 56th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 20, 2026. REUTERS

Davos, Jan 20, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – French President Emmanuel Macron said the world is moving away from rules and international law, warning at the World Economic Forum in Davos that power politics and “imperial ambitions” were resurfacing.

Macron said the shift was toward a world “without rules” where international law is “trampled underfoot” and “the only law that seems to matter is that of the strongest.”

He said France and Europe must defend what he called “effective multilateralism,” arguing it serves the interests of those who refuse to submit to the rule of force, and added that Europe must respond to the challenge of low growth.

Macron also criticised Europe’s approach to economic protection, saying “today’s Europeans are too naive” and arguing Europeans do not protect their companies and markets when other countries do not respect a level playing field. He called for more Chinese foreign direct investment in Europe in key sectors to support growth and technology transfer.