https://arab.news/6pscb
France’s army chief, Gen. Fabien Mandon, last week pushed the country of 246 cheeses, as Charles de Gaulle once described it, into an explosive situation. Mandon told the nation’s mayors: “If our country wavers because it is not ready to lose its children … or to suffer economically because the priority has to be military production, then we are indeed at risk.” He used these declarations to highlight the potential for a military confrontation with Russia. The backlash was immediate and criticism from political figures across the aisle qualified it as reckless warmongering.
Mandon explained that he intended to prepare the country, noting that the military is made up of young adults who knowingly accept risks. He also pointed out that many European neighbors are bringing back national service, suggesting France might follow suit. The government tried to defuse the situation by stating that French children will not be sent to die in Ukraine. And President Emmanuel Macron came to the defense of the army’s chief of staff by stating that his comments were taken out of context. He also emphasized the need to recognize geopolitical risks.
The fragility of the situation has led to unbelievable rumors in a country like France. Some posts claimed that nine generals met in Fontainebleau on Nov. 20. They are said to have sharply criticized Mandon. Messages relayed by several media outlets describe the situation as the most “serious political-military crisis since the Algerian War” and that an internal war is underway against the army chief.
