French army chief resigns
(Baonghean.vn)- On July 19, Chief of the General Staff of the French armed forces, General Pierre de Villiers, resigned. This move came just days after French President Emmanuel Macron criticized him for opposing proposed cuts to the defense budget.
In a statement, General de Villiers, 60, said he no longer felt capable of commanding the armed forces that he said were necessary to ensure the safety of France and its people.
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| French President Emmanuel Macron and Chief of Staff of the French Armed Forces, General Pierre de Villiers, argue over proposed cuts to the defense budget. Photo: AP |
The conflict between President Macron and General de Villiers erupted last week when the head of the French army told a parliamentary committee that he would not allow the armed forces to be “downsized” with plans to cut 850 million euros ($980 million) from the budget.
President Macron then responded: "I am the leader", and emphasized that if there is a difference of opinion, "it is the head of the army who must change his position".
The row has sparked debate over whether President Macron, 39, humiliated the head of the military, or whether the French leader had no choice but to impose his authority just two months after taking office./.
Lan Ha
(According to AFP)
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