While controversies abound in France, following the Immigration law and his comments about the actor Gérard Depardieu, the President of the Republic Emmanuel Macron spoke flew away without his wife, outside the Metropolis for 48 hours to celebrate the traditional Christmas Eve with French soldiers sent on a mission to the Middle East. Arriving first in Jordan, where he was welcomed with all honors by King Abdullah II, Emmanuel Macron joined the planned French air base in the Levant in Safawi in the evening, where he met the troops. Accompanied by the Minister of Defense Sébastien Lecornu and several staff generals, the president gave a speech to the soldiers to thank them : “The choice [que vous faites] every day to give your life to the point of sacrifice [scelle le] centuries-old pact between the nation and the army” he declared in particular.
Then it was time to sit down at the table. To bring comfort to these 350 soldiers, the president did not hesitate to mobilize Fabrice Desvignes, the official chef of the Élyséewho assures him, “applied as for a state dinner” for the occasion. On the menu: pâté, foie gras, smoked salmon, Landes yellow poultry supreme with morels, hazelnut chocolate log and Corsican clementines, all directly imported from Rungis to allow the soldiers to enjoy a good French New Year’s Eve. An attention that the soldiers particularly appreciated.
⋙ Discover Emmanuel Macron’s Christmas in Jordan with French troops
Immense pride to be at your side, to show you the recognition of the Nation and tell you in its name that it knows that your families miss you. She knows your sacrifices, your courage, your honor.
Soldiers, sailors, airmen,
Thank you so much. pic.twitter.com/Ls7qJzIMaR
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 21, 2023
⋙ PHOTOS – Emmanuel Macron celebrates Christmas in Jordan with French soldiers
Emmanuel Macron: this little surprise reserved for soldiers
The dinner also had a particular resonance for the Head of State due to its date, given that December 21 marks the birthday by Emmanuel Macron. The French soldiers therefore did not fail to wish and sing a happy birthday to the president, who was celebrating his 46th birthday. If traditionally it is the person whose birthday it is to receive the gifts, the tenant of the Élysée has reversed the roles by offering each of the soldiers chocolates from Ducasse. One last little present which should not fail to bring some comfort to the hearts of all those soldiers away from their families for the holidays.
Photo credits: Nicolas Messyasz / Pool / Bestimage