This study investigates the transitivity processes underpinning Emmanuel Macron’s leadership discourse using M.A.K. Halliday’s Systemic Functional Grammar as the analytical framework. Leadership communication as a strategic use of discourse by leaders not only transmit information but also amplifies credibility construction.

Adopting a descriptive design, the corpus encompasses the addresses delivered at press conferences in Marigot (Saint Martin), Carbet Loubère (Guyane), and joint press engagements with Presidents Mahamadou Issoufou, Roch Kaboré, Mauricio Macri, and Alassane Ouattara. These were examined for their discursive and transitivity functions. The analysis identifies five transitivity processes: material processes highlight actionoriented leadership; mental processes reveal cognition, intention, and emotional stance; relational processes define political roles and agendas; verbal processes articulate policy objectives; and existential processes frame international agreements through which Macron constructs authority, expresses solidarity, signals commitments, legitimises political positions, and formalises bilateral intentions.

Together, these linguistic choices demonstrate that Macron’s leadership is enacted through a strategic interplay of pragmatic force and functional grammar, positioning language as a central resource for shaping perception, constructing credibility and negotiating political relationships.