The statement by France's Chief of Staff Fabien Mandon, suggesting that the country should be prepared to lose its children, has sparked controversy. The opposition has labeled Mandon's remarks as 'war-mongering,' while the government argues that the comments have been taken out of context.
France's Chief of Staff Fabien Mandon stated at the Congress of France's Mayors held in Paris earlier this week that his country must be prepared for a possible conflict against Russia by 2030.
Mandon expressed that "France must be ready to lose its children," stating, "Let's be honest, if our country is weak because it is not ready to suffer economically as defense production will take priority, then we are at risk."
Mandon's remarks that "his country must be ready to lose its children" have been a topic of discussion for days in the country. Jean-Luc Melenchon, founder of the opposition party La France Insoumise (LFI), stated on his social media account that he completely disagrees with Mandon's statement. Melenchon emphasized that Mandon does not have the authority to ask mayors to prepare for war and to predict what costs will be paid for France's diplomatic failures, asking, "(France) President Macron, where are you going? Why are you allowing this?"
Former French presidential candidate Segolene Royal stated in her remarks that France will not accept losing its children. Describing Mandon's words as "crazy statements," Royal commented that these words increase anxiety among the youth.
According to reports in the national press, Louis Aliot, the Mayor of Perpignan from the National Rally (RN) party, expressed that citizens should be ready to die for a "just war" or a vital situation for the French nation.
French Government Spokesperson Maud Bregeon stated on the TF1 channel that France's children will not go to fight and die for Ukraine. Bregeon reminded that France has a professional army, arguing that Mandon's words referred to French soldiers aged 18-27 currently on duty in different parts of the world. The French spokesperson also noted that there are French soldiers who have lost their lives in overseas operations.