French Government’s “Major Engagement” Memo Sparks War Rumors
Health Minister Confirms Authenticity of Letter, Denies Secret War Preparations
PARIS — A confidential letter from the French Health Ministry, revealed by the satirical newspaper Le Canard enchaîné, has sparked widespread rumors on social media that the government is secretly preparing for a major war with Russia. The memo, which asks health agencies to prepare for a “major engagement” by March 2026, has been seized upon by critics of President Emmanuel Macron, including far-right politicians.
According to media reports, The French Health Minister, Catherine Vautrin, has since confirmed the authenticity of the letter but has rejected the accusations of secret war preparations. In an interview with French broadcaster BFM-TV, she stated that the directive is part of a routine risk assessment to ensure the country’s healthcare system is prepared for all potential crises, including a large-scale military conflict.
According to the report, the letter, dated July 18, asks French hospitals to prepare for the possibility of treating several thousand soldiers over a period of 10 to 180 days. The ministry’s crisis center spokesperson further clarified that this is a measure to prepare for a “potentially large influx of victims from abroad,” implying that French hospitals would be ready to care for both French and foreign soldiers.
This move comes after the French government also distributed a “survival manual” to every household, outlining measures for citizens to prepare for armed conflict and other disasters.
The revelations have fueled existing political tensions. Thierry Mariani, an MEP for the far-right Rassemblement National party, suggested that President Macron would support a war to justify canceling the 2027 presidential elections. .
Despite the political rhetoric, the government’s actions align with its broader strategy of strengthening France’s defense capabilities and European security in response to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. While Macron has publicly supported a “Coalition of the Willing” to provide security guarantees to Ukraine, he has also emphasized the importance of deterrence to prevent the war from escalating across the continent.
