Paris, Jan 1 (IANS): French President Emmanuel Macron has said that he is "resolutely optimistic for the coming year" for France, despite the upcoming few difficult weeks amid Covid-19 cases resurgence.

Speaking from the Elysee to the nation for New Year, Macron on Friday stressed the importance of vaccination against coronavirus.

"Vaccination is our most secure asset. It divides the number of severe forms by ten," he added.

He urged the 5 million non-vaccinated French citizens to get vaccinated for themselves, for their compatriots and for their country.

The President also called on people, vaccinated or not, to continue to respect barrier gestures to curb the rapid spread of the virus, Xinhua news agency reported.

Acknowledging the essential role of health staff during the pandemic for the past two years, Macron said he is "optimistic" about a possible end of the pandemic in 2022.

Recalling 2021, the President said the government has introduced during the crisis various initiatives to protect spending power, as well as new projects for the young generation, environmental crisis, housing crisis etc.

Macron said 2022 will be a year of a European turning point as France is going to hold the presidency of the European Union.

He continued to say that 2022 will also be a decisive year for France.

"I will act until the last moment of the mandate for which you elected me," said Macron. The Presidential election in France is scheduled for April 2022.