On March 11, 2025, Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, inaugurated the future headquarters of the Direction Générale de la Sécurité Intérieure (DGSI) located in Saint-Ouen, Seine-Saint-Denis. During this event, he emphasized the necessity for France to address both geopolitical threats and domestic terrorism simultaneously.
"A great nation must not choose... she must respond," Macron stated, addressing critics who suggested he was exaggering the significance of the Russian threat. This comment reflects his recent warnings about the geopolitical risks posed by Russia, as well as the increased need for national security measures.
Earlier on the same day, Macron attended a poignant ceremony honoring victims of terrorism held in Strasbourg. The event was attended by Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, and it took place just weeks after the tragic knife attack on February 22, 2025, which left one person dead and several others injured.
During his speech at the Strasbourg event, Macron noted, "We cannot resign ourselves to the unspeakable," referring to the persistent threat posed by terrorism. He added, "The more they hate us, the more they uplift us," underlining the resilience of French society against extremist ideologies.
Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, reacted critically to Macron's comments on the Russian threat. She claims the real danger to France does not come from Russia but from Islamic fundamentalism. "The first of the threats to France is not Moscow but Islamic fundamentalism," she said, asserting her stance during comments made on March 7, 2025.
Macron deflected these accusations by asserting the importance of addressing multiple threats concurrently instead of prioritizing one over the other. He argued, "These people have not been following the news, apparently," when addressing claims made by critics. By positioning his focus as comprehensive, Macron hopes to assure French citizens of their safety.
Upon inaugurate the DGSI headquarters, which is expected to be completed by 2029, Macron stressed the need for increased investment and resources for security services, stating, "Security and defense are priorities, and we must tackle both geopolitical and terrorist challenges at the same time." He reiterated the significance of his government's previous successes, including thwarting nine potential terrorist attacks throughout 2024, emphasizing the effectiveness of French intelligence services.
The DGSI headquarters marks a concrete step toward reinforcing France's capabilities to protect its citizens from various threats. With the pressing geopolitical climate and recent incidents of domestic terrorism, the focus on security has sparked intense public debate.
While Macron continues to advocate for comprehensive strategies, Le Pen's comments reflect growing concerns from the right-wing sector of French politics. The critique of Macron’s approach points to fears of prioritizing international threats over pressing domestic issues.
Macron's administration aims to balance these discussions amid strained political landscapes, as he contemplates France's position both in Europe and the world. By responding to these dual threats, Macron hopes to instill confidence among citizens about their security as global challenges evolve.
At the commemoration ceremony, Macron drew historical parallels, noting the date of the event also marked the anniversary of the 2004 Madrid bombing, one of Europe's deadliest terrorist attacks. He referenced this horrific event as "a scenario of horror from which we still bear the scars," underscoring the urgency for vigilance and collective memory.
With this multifaceted approach, Macron's policies aim to solidify national security as France navigates shifting dynamics both at home and abroad. The emphasis on unity, resilience, and readiness is integral to his vision of protecting the Republic's foundational values and ensuring the collective peace and safety of the French people.