Overview
- Addressing the mayors’ congress, Gen. Fabien Mandon said France must be ready within three to four years to deter Moscow and warned the nation must be prepared to accept casualties and economic sacrifice.
- He urged municipal leaders to brief residents on risk and resilience, asserting Europeans are stronger than Russia if they demonstrate determination.
- He described the most plausible contingency as supporting an eastern NATO ally if attacked rather than combat on French soil, saying the aim is to prevent escalation through deterrence.
- Political reaction was swift, with LFI leader Jean‑Luc Mélenchon declaring his total disagreement, RN figure Sébastien Chenu calling the message alarmist, and several mayors expressing unease.
- In earlier Senate testimony, Mandon rejected the European Commission’s proposed anti‑drone wall, arguing Brussels should not set military requirements and that replenishing national stocks should take priority.