Macron Faces Controversy Over Allegations of War Preparations

Speculation has arisen regarding French President Emmanuel Macron and his government’s potential preparations for military conflict by March 2026. This controversy stems from an article published by the satirical newspaper Le Canard enchaîné, which has prompted widespread debate on social media. Users have accused the government of planning to engage in war with Russia, casting doubt on Macron’s public commitments to peace in Ukraine.

In an August post shared on social media platform X, one user remarked on the discrepancy between Macron’s calls for peace and the alleged military preparations. Adding to the tension, Thierry Mariani, a Member of the European Parliament from the far-right Rassemblement National party, suggested that Macron might exploit a conflict to cancel the upcoming 2027 elections, stating, “in a war you can no longer hold elections.” With more than three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, these claims have raised significant anxiety among the public.

Fact-Checking the Allegations

To clarify these alarming assertions, EuroVerify conducted an investigation into the claims surrounding Macron’s government. The article from Le Canard enchaîné is legitimate, revealing that French Health Minister Catherine Vautrin requested French health agencies to prepare for a “major engagement” by March 2026. This letter, reportedly sent on July 18, outlined preparations for hospitals to accommodate thousands of soldiers over a span of between 10 to 180 days.

The Ministry of Health’s directives included awareness of “limitations in wartime,” indicating that hospitals should be equipped to treat both French and foreign military personnel should a conflict arise. In a subsequent interview with French broadcaster BFM-TV, Vautrin did not dispute the existence of this letter. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Health’s crisis centre confirmed that the government is anticipating various risks that could impact the French healthcare system, particularly the need to manage a potential influx of military patients.

Macron’s Approach to Deterrence

According to information provided by French authorities, Macron appears to be focused on implementing preventive measures in case of conflict, rather than actively seeking war. This stance contradicts the claims circulating on social media. Macron has consistently emphasized the importance of deterrence to prevent further aggression from Russia, aligning with European rearmament efforts and support for the Coalition of the Willing, which aims to secure guarantees for Ukraine.

Despite previous comments in 2022 about the necessity of not humiliating Russia, Macron has been vocal about the threats posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he has described as “an ogre” that “needs to keep eating” for his survival. Critics from far-right circles often accuse Macron of exaggerating the Russian threat as a means to maintain his power, yet EuroVerify found no substantial evidence supporting this theory.

As discussions surrounding military readiness continue, the situation remains fluid. The French government’s approach to these allegations will likely influence public perception and political discourse in the coming months.