The head of state, Emmanuel Macron, is set to convene the main political party officials this Friday morning to address the rising fuel prices and the evolving international situation. This format, known as the "Saint-Denis format," was introduced by Macron in August 2023. The idea was to foster political compromises with all the parties represented in Parliament. Although the original ambition did not last, the name "Saint-Denis" has remained associated with such meetings, which are now used whenever the head of state organizes similar gatherings. This meeting is taking place on Friday, September 18, at the Élysée Palace, in response to what Macron has called a "rapid deterioration" in the geopolitical situation and fuel prices that are now "unbearable." The closed-door meeting, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. in the newly named crisis room "Vega," occurs during the campaign for the upcoming spring election, in which Macron is not eligible to run again. Marine Le Pen, the leading candidate from the National Rally, and Jean-Luc Mélenchon from France Unbowed, who is aiming to reach the second round of the election, have chosen to be represented by their respective party leaders, Jordan Bardella and Manuel Bompard. The radical left's entourage criticizes Macron's "last-minute invitation," suggesting it is merely symbolic. Le Pen has previously said that these meetings do not yield much information, though she acknowledged it is at least a way to keep political movements informed. Other major candidates will attend, sometimes altering their schedules or shortening trips: Édouard Philippe (Horizons), Gabriel Attal (Renaissance), Bruno Retailleau (The Republicans), Raphaël Glucksmann (Public Place), Olivier Faure (Socialist Party), Marine Tondelier (The Ecologists), and Fabien Roussel (French Communist Party). Additional party leaders from the French Parliament, such as the centrists François Bayrou (MoDem) and Hervé Marseille (UDI), and the RN ally Eric Ciotti (UDR), will also be present. The Saint-Denis format was established in August 2023 following a challenging period over pension reforms. Macron invited all party leaders in Parliament to a meeting at the House of Education of the Legion of Honour in Saint-Denis, aiming to create a dialogue space between the government and the opposition. Although no concrete agreements were reached on internal issues, the format has since been used to share updates on international matters. The current meeting will focus on the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, their impacts on France's security and energy, and will include the heads of intelligence, military authorities, and the general director of energy, who will share confidential information with those who may succeed Macron in the presidency. Macron aims to highlight that the surge in fuel prices is a result of the international situation, though this argument may be less emphasized now compared to the spring when tensions were high in Iran. He also wants to "clarify the debate" in the election campaign, ensuring that candidates' promises reflect the complexity of the current situation. As Macron's term nears its end and he lacks a majority in Parliament, he is seeking to remain visible and active. Recent blockages in the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Bab-el-Mandeb have affected daily life in France, with rising fuel prices causing public discontent. Macron has also raised concerns about the potential for social unrest similar to the "yellow vests" protests in 2018. The meeting will also address the increasing number of "hybrid" attacks in Europe, which are attributed to Russia, and Le Pen's recent comments about France's ability to support Ukraine, which have drawn criticism from other candidates.