Emmanuel Macron has warned that the Group of 20 (G20) bloc may be reaching the end of its cycle, citing risks to its very existence. This sentiment was expressed at the G20 summit in South Africa, which was boycotted by the United States, a key member.
Macron pointed to the absence of the US and the struggles in upholding humanitarian law and national sovereignty, as exemplified by Ukraine, as evidence of a need for renewed collective engagement. The French president's concerns were echoed by the subdued visual presentation of the summit, particularly the diminished attendance reflected in the family photo.
Unlike previous summits where iconic backdrops were used, this year's photo featured a sparse background, with a reduced number of prominent leaders present. The article notes that the absence of many leaders and the use of stand-ins for seven heads of state underscored a perceived drift within the G20.
Macron's assessment comes after a similar pronouncement in 2019, where he declared NATO "brain dead" prior to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. His current warning about the G20 reflects a broader philosophical contemplation on the decline of multilateralism, a topic he has frequently addressed.
His tenure as president of France ends in 2027, making him the most experienced statesman within the Group of Seven, which he is set to host.
