French leader has moved to take control over economic reforms with shows of real and symbolic power
France’s army chief resigned Wednesday in a spat with President Emmanuel Macron over defense spending, the first major test of the new leader’s authority as he moves to take swift control over economic reforms.
Pierre de Villiers’ resignation is the culmination of rising tensions between the two men after the government said it would cut military spending by €850 million ($982 million) this year to plug holes in France’s public finances.
“In the current circumstances, I consider I am no longer able to ensure the durability of the model of the army that I believe in to guarantee the protection of France and French people, today and in the future,” Gen. de Villiers said in a statement announcing his resignation.
Mr. Macron quickly announced that Gen. François Lecointre, who heads Prime Minister Edouard Philippe’s defense cabinet, will replace Gen. de Villiers.
The unusually public bickering between a French president and the army highlights early criticism of Mr. Macron. Since coming to power in May, the 39-year old has ruffled some feathers, adopting a regal approach to France’s highest office with shows of real and symbolic power.
Earlier this month he summoned lawmakers and senators to Versailles for joint session of parliament and he will use special constitutional powers this summer to make changes to labor laws by decree.
The army chief…