The year 2024 has brought a series of political and economic failures for some of the most prominent leaders and projects, placing them in the unenviable category of the biggest losers of 2024.
Media outlets have published a review of key events that marked their downfalls.
Macron and Scholz: Political catastrophe for the Franco-German duo
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who never truly got along, now share the fate of political shipwrecks. Macron suffered a series of blows: the defeat of his party in the European Parliament elections, extraordinary parliamentary elections that further strengthened the far left and far right, and the collapse of two governments within a single year. A third crisis may yet be looming.
Scholz fared no better. His shaky coalition couldn’t withstand the pressure, forcing him to call early elections, leaving Germany in a political vacuum.
Beyond their personal losses, the weakness of this duo has further eroded the famed Franco-German engine driving the European project. As one observer ironically remarked on Macron’s 40th birthday: “It’s all downhill from here.”
Vladimir Putin: Broken promises and lost influence
Russian President Vladimir Putin faced severe setbacks in 2024. His promise of a three-day special operation in Ukraine remains a grim joke as Ukraine not only defends its territory but, in an offensive near Kursk, captures a portion of Russian land.
The Russian economy is overheating due to high inflation and a labor shortage, while Moscow is losing its foothold in Syria following the fall of Assad’s regime. The year concluded with an awkward apology for downing an Azerbaijani civilian plane, further tarnishing Russia’s international image.
Viktor Orban: Internal challenges
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, known as Putin’s ally in Europe, is grappling with serious economic troubles in his 14th year in power. Opposition leader Peter Magyar is gaining influence and preparing to challenge Orban’s regime in the 2026 elections.
Bashar al-Assad: The fall of the Syrian dictator
Former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad ends the year in exile in Moscow, with his country under the control of former enemies. Hedenies fleeing against his will, while media speculate about personal troubles, including alleged plans by his wife to file for divorce.
German economy: The return of the “sick man” of Europe
Germany’s economy is once again showing signs of decline. The energy crisis and a downturn in the automotive sector have left Germany with zero-growth projections. Central banker Joachim Nagel openly warns of structural problems further weighing down this economic powerhouse. The return of Donald Trump to the White House and a potential trade war between the United States (U.S.) and China could complicate matters for Germany, which heavily relies on trade with China.
The European Union’s (EU) Green Deal and climate goals: A step backward
The year 2024 dealt a heavy blow to the EU’s ambitious climate agenda. Ursula von der Leyen withdrew the deforestation law to appease disgruntled farmers, while Europe’s right-wing threatens to dismantle much of the Green Deal, including plans to ban internal combustion engines by 2035.
As the year draws to a close, these leaders and projects enter 2025 with challenges that will define their futures, Klix.ba writes.
