Macron’s Gambit: Navigating Domestic Dissent And International Tensions In The Ukraine Crisis
French President Emmanuel Macron recently summoned opposing political party leaders to a meeting in Elysee Palace, where they were briefed on Macron’s stance on sending NATO troops to Ukraine. The move to include political opposition is a shock because that is not at all the norm.
Opposition political party leaders said they are usually opposed to all-party meetings but with Macron’s recent outspoken stance on the Ukraine war, they were persuaded to attend.
The meeting comes after Macron made a stunning comment that shocked most of Europe and the world by refusing to rule out sending troops to Ukraine.
Macron Urges Europe to Not Be ‘Cowardly’, Claims Suggestion of Sending Troops to Ukraine Merely About ‘Opening Debate’https://t.co/XJvce601X9
— Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) March 6, 2024
After attending the meeting, party leaders criticized Macron’s willingness to consider military intervention.
Green Party leader Marine Tondelier recounted Macron saying Putin “obviously has no limits.” She stated that it was “extremely worrying” to see the president have such a demeanor toward the situation.
Who initiated the war in Ukraine?
Who is threatening with nuclear weapons?Let's be clear about what is happening in Europe. pic.twitter.com/L3tjx6hBXz
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) March 5, 2024
President of the conservative National Rally Party Jordan Bardella also commented on the meeting, saying he had pleaded with Macron “Not to go to war with Russia”
Far-left leader Manuel Bompard also weighed in: “I arrived worried and I left even more worried.”
Macron’s government backpedaled on the meeting’s goals after he was slammed for apparently dipping his toes into the waters of a potential world war, saying that any deployment of French troops would only be as a support role and not in direct combat roles — as if he can decide whether or not the men he sends into a warzone will have to fight.
Germany was swift to condemn Macron’s meeting where Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Friday that he absolutely rejects the idea and wishes for no more commentary on the matter.
Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to Macron’s absurd comments about the war, warning of the “real” risk of total nuclear devastation to the world. Putin also pointed out a certain fact that Macron’s posturing seems to ignore, asserting, “We also have weapons that can hit targets on their territory.”