In the United States, it’s normal for the president to give a yearly speech in front of all of the members of Congress, talking about what administration has accomplished and the plans for the future. In France, such speeches are usually saved for more dire circumstances, which makes French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to deliver a speech in a joint session of France’s parliament an interesting choice.

The only other two times a French resident has called a joint session in Versailles was when Nicolas Sarkozy called for one to discuss the economic recession in 2009, and when François Hollande declared France at war against terrorism, after the November attacks.

For Macron to call a joint session to discuss his administration and plans for the future is a little too American for some law makers. They’re criticized him for abusing his position and being perhaps a bit full of himself. But, if there’s anything we’ve learned from this past French election, it’s that French voters are all about breaking the rules and moving away from traditions of the past.

Hear lawmakers thoughts on Macron’s decision to call a joint session in Versailles in the video above.