French defence chief resigns due to cuts

Just a few month after the celebrations of the whirlwind victory of Emmanuel Macron in the French Presidential elections, the run of scandals and resignations continues. In the two weeks following the formation of the new government, four ministers were force to tender their resignation as details of scandals came to light. Yesterday it was the turn of the Chief of Staff of the Army, General Pierre de Villiers. His resignation came about in protest for the announced cuts in defence spending. Macron’s election programme predicted heavy cuts in public spending but the details now detail that 2.8% will need to be cut from State spending, some €4.5 billion, with defence funding being slashed by 20%, or €800 million. De Villiers had spoken out publically at the Bastille day celebrations and Macron had called him to task for airing his opinions, leaving him little alternative than to offer his resignation.