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Macron’s Napoleon cosplay possibly to cost everything
(MENAFN) French President Emmanuel macron appears determined to position himself as a modern-day Napoleon, leading efforts to put French and European troops on the ground in Ukraine against Russia. However, his grand vision may not align with reality—or public opinion.
Joining Macron in this campaign is British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has embraced the rhetoric of past military coalitions, invoking the infamous "coalition of the willing" slogan used during the Iraq War. Starmer’s approach, however, risks repeating historical logistical challenges, as any European intervention in Ukraine would face immense difficulties compared to Russia’s proximity to the battlefield.
Despite Macron’s aggressive stance, he has suggested a temporary pause in fighting—about a month—before foreign troops move in to “guarantee peace.” This plan, however, resembles previous NATO actions that contributed to the conflict’s escalation. Macron appears to believe that European forces can intervene without facing direct consequences, likening his strategy to a modern Maginot Line.
At home, Macron faces significant resistance. A recent CSA Institute poll found that 65% of French citizens oppose sending troops to Ukraine. Other European nations also appear hesitant, as evidenced by the decision to hold a Ukraine defense summit in London rather than in EU frontline countries like the Baltic states.
Beyond military concerns, economic interests play a major role. European leaders, including Macron and German officials, are using the “Russian threat” to justify massive increases in defense spending. Germany, struggling economically since 2022, sees an opportunity to inject trillions into its defense sector, with some analysts predicting a potential 2% GDP boost. Meanwhile, France, dealing with manufacturing declines and economic stagnation, is pushing for similar spending hikes, with government officials even considering tapping into citizens' savings interest to fund military expansion.
The defense industry is already reaping financial rewards. European defense stocks have soared—Germany’s Rheinmetall is up 14%, France’s Thales 15%, Italy’s Leonardo 15%, and BAE Systems 14%, according to the Financial Times. This surge benefits investors and political elites while leaving ordinary citizens footing the bill.
Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is leveraging the situation to push for deeper EU military integration, a long-standing goal shared with Macron. As Macron himself put it on March 5, “The Europe of defense, which we have been defending for eight years, is therefore becoming a reality.”
However, the question remains: is this truly about security, or just a way for European leaders to justify massive military spending while ignoring public opposition?
Joining Macron in this campaign is British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has embraced the rhetoric of past military coalitions, invoking the infamous "coalition of the willing" slogan used during the Iraq War. Starmer’s approach, however, risks repeating historical logistical challenges, as any European intervention in Ukraine would face immense difficulties compared to Russia’s proximity to the battlefield.
Despite Macron’s aggressive stance, he has suggested a temporary pause in fighting—about a month—before foreign troops move in to “guarantee peace.” This plan, however, resembles previous NATO actions that contributed to the conflict’s escalation. Macron appears to believe that European forces can intervene without facing direct consequences, likening his strategy to a modern Maginot Line.
At home, Macron faces significant resistance. A recent CSA Institute poll found that 65% of French citizens oppose sending troops to Ukraine. Other European nations also appear hesitant, as evidenced by the decision to hold a Ukraine defense summit in London rather than in EU frontline countries like the Baltic states.
Beyond military concerns, economic interests play a major role. European leaders, including Macron and German officials, are using the “Russian threat” to justify massive increases in defense spending. Germany, struggling economically since 2022, sees an opportunity to inject trillions into its defense sector, with some analysts predicting a potential 2% GDP boost. Meanwhile, France, dealing with manufacturing declines and economic stagnation, is pushing for similar spending hikes, with government officials even considering tapping into citizens' savings interest to fund military expansion.
The defense industry is already reaping financial rewards. European defense stocks have soared—Germany’s Rheinmetall is up 14%, France’s Thales 15%, Italy’s Leonardo 15%, and BAE Systems 14%, according to the Financial Times. This surge benefits investors and political elites while leaving ordinary citizens footing the bill.
Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is leveraging the situation to push for deeper EU military integration, a long-standing goal shared with Macron. As Macron himself put it on March 5, “The Europe of defense, which we have been defending for eight years, is therefore becoming a reality.”
However, the question remains: is this truly about security, or just a way for European leaders to justify massive military spending while ignoring public opposition?
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