Emmanuel Macron Skips Traditional July 14 Interview as France Holds Record Military Parade

President Emmanuel Macron will not give the customary televised interview or speech on France’s national day, July 14, 2026. Instead, he will address the armed forces in a formal speech on July 15 at the Hôtel de Brienne, marking the only public appearance confirmed for the weekend.

The July 14 parade is being expanded to a historic scale with about 6,800 troops, a 30 % increase in aircraft and vehicles, and a fleet of roughly sixty drones. Twenty‑five heads of state and government, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, are scheduled to attend, underscoring France’s message of support for Ukraine and a broader strategic “awakening” of Europe.

The decision to forgo the traditional interview comes amid heightened domestic tension, exemplified by the removal of Macron’s portrait by a mayor in Saint‑Denis. This will be the last national celebration of Macron’s presidency before the 2027 election.