Social media is abuzz with claims that the French government may secretly be preparing for war with Russia by March 2026, a theory fueled by an article from the satirical publication “Le Canard enchaîné.” Users have accused President Emmanuel Macron of hypocrisy, suggesting that his public advocacy for peace in Ukraine conceals ambitions for military engagement. Thierry Mariani, an MEP from the far-right Rassemblement National party, has also weighed in, suggesting that a war may be a means for Macron to cancel the upcoming 2027 elections. These rumors have ignited both worry and skepticism among the public, prompting the fact-checking initiative EuroVerify to investigate the circumstances surrounding these claims.
The authenticity of the article from “Le Canard enchaîné,” published in August, has been confirmed. The newspaper reported that France’s Health Minister, Catherine Vautrin, requested French health agencies to prepare for a potential military “major engagement” by March 2026, as indicated in a letter sent on 18 July. The content of the letter suggests that French hospitals are being asked to brace for treating several thousand soldiers, potentially over weeks or months, highlighting a need for readiness in the healthcare system should a conflict arise.
In addressing these preparations, the French Health Minister has not refuted the existence of this letter during interviews. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Health crisis center indicated that the preparations are a precautionary measure aimed at managing “various risks and threats” that might affect the French healthcare system. This response includes readiness to treat military personnel within civilian hospitals, indicating that the government is taking a serious approach to anticipating the impacts of a potential conflict.
While these measures may give rise to speculation that France is on the brink of war, evidence provided to EuroVerify suggests a contrasting narrative. Instead of actively seeking conflict, Macron appears to be prioritizing deterrence and proactive measures to minimize the consequences of any potential escalation. These assertions stand in stark contrast to the claims circulating on social media, which paint a picture of covert aggression against Russia. Macron’s publicly stated goal has included not only rearmament to boost European security but also a strategy focused on avoiding the broadening of the war initiated by Russia.
Notably, Macron has previously expressed the necessity of avoiding the humiliation of Russia, even as he warns about the threat posed by President Putin. The French President has described Putin as a persistent aggressor, emphasizing the need for Europe to remain vigilant against further escalations. In the face of accusations that Macron is dramatizing the threat from Russia for political gain, EuroVerify found no substantial evidence supporting such claims, which are often thrown around in far-right discourse.
In conclusion, while fears surrounding a potential war with Russia have raised intense debates across social media platforms, the evidence suggests that France is more focused on preparedness and deterrent strategies rather than initiating conflict. The discourse surrounding this issue reflects a complex tapestry of political maneuvering, public sentiment, and concerns over national security, with Macron’s government navigating the fragile balance between a assertions of peace and the readiness for potential military engagement.
