France, Dec. 31 -- With just 16 months to go until the next presidential election, Emmanuel Macron is in one of the weakest political positions of his two terms.

The televised address is a fixed moment in the political calendar and a chance for the head of state to relaunch the final projects of his second five-year term.

As tradition dictates, the president will address the nation at 8pm on 31 December, opening with his familiar "My dear compatriots".

In a speech expected to last around 10 minutes, he will set out his roadmap for the year ahead, reflect on the challenges facing France and explain why he believes there are still reasons for hope despite political instability at home and an unsettled international climate.

This will be...