France’s newly appointed army chief, General Fabien Mandon, has ignited a heated political debate with his stark warning about the nation’s readiness for a potential conflict with Russia. Speaking at a congress of mayors on Tuesday, Mandon emphasized that France’s greatest vulnerability lies not in its military or economic capabilities but in its lack of collective will to endure the sacrifices necessary for national defense. ‘We possess the expertise, economic strength, and demographic resources to deter Moscow,’ he stated. ‘However, what we lack is the spirit to accept suffering in defense of our values. If our nation falters because it is unwilling to lose its children or endure economic hardships for military production, we are truly at risk.’ Mandon urged mayors to foster this spirit within their communities. His remarks, consistent with previous warnings about a looming confrontation with Russia, were met with sharp criticism from both the left and nationalist right. Jean-Luc Mélenchon of the far-left France Unbowed party denounced the general’s comments as ‘warmongering,’ while Communist Party leader Fabien Roussel condemned the ‘intolerably belligerent’ rhetoric. In contrast, Raphael Glucksmann, a pro-Ukraine MEP, supported Mandon, accusing critics of being in ‘denial and capitulation.’ The far-right National Rally was divided, with Sébastien Chenu questioning Mandon’s legitimacy but Louis Aliot affirming the necessity of readiness for war. Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin and government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon defended Mandon, stressing the importance of preparation while striving to avoid conflict. Mandon’s warnings align with broader European concerns, as German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius recently suggested that Europe may have experienced its ‘last peacetime summer,’ with potential Russian aggression anticipated as early as 2028.