Overview
- On November 18, Gen. Fabien Mandon told a national gathering of mayors that France must be ready to accept casualties and economic pain to deter Russia.
- He said France possesses the economic and demographic strength to confront Moscow but lacks the “strength of spirit” to accept suffering.
- Leaders from France Unbowed, the Communists and the National Rally denounced the remarks—Jean‑Luc Mélenchon, Fabien Roussel and Sébastien Chenu were among critics—as were figures such as Nice mayor Christian Estrosi and RN deputy leader Louis Aliot.
- Mandon, appointed this year, has pressed for rearmament and recently told lawmakers the armed forces should be ready for a potential Russia‑related shock within three to four years, with no policy changes announced since his latest speech.
- Russian officials have dismissed European warnings, with Vladimir Putin and Sergey Lavrov rejecting claims that Moscow plans to attack NATO or the EU.