Macron's 'decennial' policies echo France's 1940 defeat, columnist argues

A scathing critique of President Emmanuel Macron's leadership, published in Le Figaro, draws a stark parallel between his "decennial" policies and France's devastating defeat in 1940. The column, penned by Jean-Pierre Robin, suggests that fundamental French "flaws" – a reluctance to reform and a lack of work ethic, as described by historian Marc Bloch – remain unaddressed.

The article uses the particularly horrific murder of a schoolgirl in the Gers region as a focal point to question the state of French justice. It poses whether the crime, involving a suspect known to authorities, could have been prevented if the justice system, which reportedly has fewer prosecutors per capita than the European average, had been adequately resourced. The author points out the stark contrast between public outcry over a perceived lack of resources and Macron's immediate assertion that resource issues were not to blame, instead suggesting professional negligence.

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It is clear that there was a malfunction… and it is unacceptable.

"It is clear that there was a malfunction... and it is unacceptable," Macron stated, preemptively dismissing arguments about insufficient means. This stance, according to the article, reveals a profound misunderstanding between the public and the executive. While the public vociferously demands more resources for justice and police, the government appears inclined to attribute failures to individual professional shortcomings, a narrative the column suggests is a misdiagnosis of deeper systemic issues.

The piece implies that Macron has failed to convey a crucial truth to the French people: the necessity for a nation to be self-sufficient and capable of meeting its own needs. The comparison to 1940 serves as a dire warning, suggesting that a failure to confront these ingrained issues could lead to further national decline.

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I do not want to hear any arguments about resources in this case.