* Moscow terror attack: President Putin calls for ‘Humanism, Mercy’ as death penalty debate grows     * No Immediate Relief From High Court, Arvind Kejriwal To Stay In Custody     * 2 gambling scandals are now threatening pro sports, and the problems may run deeper     * No immediate dollar estimate on bridge damage or timeline for reopening, Buttigieg says     * REQUIEM FOR A RAPPER: Sex trafficking investigation against Diddy heating up

France’s armed forces chief quits

Posted in World

Published on July 21, 2017 with No Comments

France’s armed forces chief has resigned in a dispute with Emmanuel Macron over defence budget cuts, an early test of the newly elected president’s mettle and the tough presidential style he is cultivating.

In a statement, 60 year-old Pierre de Villiers said he had tried to keep the armed forces fit for an ever more difficult task within the financial constraints imposed on it, but was no longer able to sustain that. Macron moved quickly to replace de Villiers, appointing General Francois Lecointre, 55, to fill the role, media from France reported.

The departure of France’s most senior soldier also highlighted the stresses of a major military power as it battles Islamist insurgencies.

It followed a fierce row last week between the two men just two months after Macron was elected, and just as France prepared for the military pomp of a July 14 Bastille Day parade.

De Villiers, appearing before a closed-door hearing of parliamentarians, had used strong language to protest at the 850 million euro ($980 million) defence budget cut Macron was making as part of his efforts to rein in state spending. Macron quickly went public with a rebuke, saying: “I have made commitments. I am your boss.”

 

No Comments

Comments for France’s armed forces chief quits are now closed.