One after the other, the head of the DGSE (Directorate-General for External Security) and the Chief of the Defence Staff have made unprecedented and notable media appearances.
One goal: to denounce Russia as an existential threat. And even regarding the head of the French intelligence services, to refer to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who calls Donald Trump «daddy».
These remarks raise questions not about the state of the threat, which they are certainly capable of assessing given their qualities.
Yet on a loss of sovereignty, the DGSE is by its very essence a discreet institution dedicated to the nation alone. And likewise regarding neutrality. If the military is no longer the silent service, is it nevertheless appropriate for it to publicly designate enemies and make quasi-political judgements?
These interventions appear to reflect a total loss of legitimacy and trust in politics. It is up to Emmanuel Macron alone to convince the French people of any potential increased commitment in Ukraine and to designate Russia, rather than just Putin's regime, as an existential threat. If he is not, or is no longer, able to do so, it is up to him to draw the consequences.
Please let us not undermine what the Armed Forces and the DGSE represent, two institutions that hold firm amidst the surrounding chaos, thanks to the selflessness, professionalism, sense of duty and love of country of French military personnel (and civilians).
This precedent is regrettable and not without risks.
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