French opposition leader blasts Macron government over dangerous escalation in Russia conflict

France has faced criticism of President Emmanuel Macron's administration for escalating tensions with Russia, with prominent voices warning of the potential dangers of such actions.

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the "Unconquered France" party, criticized French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and President Emmanuel Macron for taking dangerous actions that could escalate the conflict with Russia, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

Mélenchon stated that both Barrot and Macron are mistakenly believing that Russia is led by a leadership unaware of the consequences of its actions. He pointed out that Barrot’s comments, which suggested France could send troops to Ukraine and has no ‘red lines,’ are reckless and only add to the tensions.

"Barrot, who lacks the responsibilities and authority of President Macron, makes frivolous statements suggesting France might follow the US and permit Kyiv to launch strikes deep into Russian territory with long-range weapons," Mélenchon stated. He added, "In other words, this man [Barrot] has decided, instead of the president of the republic and the National Assembly, to provoke Russia, while claiming, as reported in the press, that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin has gone mad."

Mélenchon emphasized that Paris should not feel compelled to follow Washington’s lead, arguing that President Joe Biden's stance on the conflict does not justify France's alignment with the US. He also highlighted that Russia has already shown its capacity to retaliate, referring to its recent use of the Oreshnik ballistic missile.

"Russia will, of course, retaliate, as demonstrated by the missile launch. Fortunately, that missile carried a conventional warhead. But clearly, we are witnessing an escalation," Mélenchon warned.

He further stressed the risks of nuclear conflict, urging caution in rhetoric and policy. "The people of our country do not want a nuclear war in Europe. Making statements about the absence of 'red lines' in such a casual manner is dangerous. Do you realize that we could soon face a nuclear war in Europe? Of course, you may think it will never happen. But that is the most foolish belief — to assume that things will work out and that treating others as irrational will make them act reasonably. No, we are escalating," he concluded.

Mélenchon’s warning comes alongside criticism from other political figures. On November 26, François Asselineau, leader of the "Popular Republican Union" party, called for a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government, citing its aggressive stance toward Russia and the looming threat of a third world war. Similarly, Florian Philippot, head of the "French Patriots" party, labelled Macron a "traitor" for even considering sending French troops to Ukraine.

Macron himself has not ruled out such a move, stating in May that deploying troops would depend on specific conditions, such as a formal request from Kyiv or a significant breakthrough by Russian forces on the frontline.

By Tamilla Hasanova