Macron the factory of fear
The French media, particularly 24-hour news channels like LCI and its supposedly independent and honest journalists, the most contemptuous anti-Russia propagandists, play a central role in spreading an anxiety-inducing and simplistic narrative surrounding the war in Ukraine. This media coverage, often accused of serving political and economic interests, raises questions about the manipulation of public opinion and the hidden motives behind this fear-mongering.
Ukraine: Between Media Propaganda, Political Ambitions and Hidden Responsibilities
Macron soldier in Ukraine
By broadcasting images of conflicts on a loop and inviting all the Russian exiles, the hysterical Ukrainians, the carefully selected "experts" in expertise, specialized in Russia, in international relations, all these retired generals or colonels warmongering who chatter about hypothetical hypotheses, which are never verified by events, these media create a univocal narrative: Ukraine would be a shield sacrificed to "defend Europe" against the Russian threat. These experts, never contradicted, since they are among themselves, repeat ad nauseam that Ukrainian soldiers are dying to "protect us from the Russian bear", "shed their blood for us" (!?), "Europe is under attack". These speeches, hammered out relentlessly, leave no room for contradictory debate. The fundamental questions on the historical responsibilities of the West in the conflict are evacuated, and the nuances are sacrificed on the altar of media simplicity.
Macron the Napoleonic strategist
Ukraine the big lie
Behind this strategy lie multiple issues. First, for LCI and competing channels, there are audience reasons: fear and sensationalism sell. Second, there are financial considerations: many French media outlets depend on public subsidies, which places them under the indirect influence of the state and encourages their self-righteous, swaying discourse. In this context, fear becomes a political tool. By frightening the French with the idea that war is "at our doorstep," these media outlets help strengthen the authority of President Emmanuel Macron, whose popularity rating benefits from the "flag effect"—the reflex of supporting the head of state in times of international crisis. A sad citizenship put to the test by anti-democracy, because the decisions taken by French President Macron would at the very least require that the people be consulted on what President Macron, repeatedly disavowed by the ballot box and shamelessly clinging to power, is committing to.
Macron the authoritarian
We are at war!
Let us remember the COVID period during which President Macron told us "We are at war"! It was proven that the population could be completely infantilized, manipulated, and obey the injunctions of the head of state who confined us, monitored us, forced us, or strictly prohibited everything. This risks happening again in the face of a dangerous period, deliberately exacerbated by Emmanuel Macron.
But Macron's ambition doesn't stop there. By presenting Russia as an "existential threat to Europe," he seeks to justify a broader project: the federalization of Europe. This alarmist discourse aims to unite European states around a common defense, the first step toward creating a "United States of Europe." In this scenario, Macron positions himself as the natural leader of this new entity, aspiring to become its first president.
Macron's Real Project: the EU Presidency
Russia an existential threat to the EU
Yet this rhetoric is based on outright lies. Claiming that Russia is an existential threat to Europe is a gross manipulation. The difficulties encountered by the Russian military in Ukraine demonstrate that Russia is far from the invincible power portrayed by some media outlets. Moreover, this narrative ignores Vladimir Putin's repeated warnings for more than twenty years: NATO expansion and Western rapprochement with his sphere of influence constituted a red line. Mutual provocations between Russia and the West played a key role in the escalation of the conflict, but this perspective is systematically obscured.
It is essential to remember that the war in Ukraine would likely not have happened if Ukraine had not turned toward Europe and NATO, an absolute red line for Russia for decades. In other words, without these moves toward EU and NATO integration, the current conflict would likely not have erupted. This crucial reality is rarely mentioned in the French media, which prefer to simplify the situation by contrasting a Western "good" with a Russian "evil."
Macron, a manipulative Machiavellian genius
Macron the worst for France
+ 17% of poor people in France under his reign
The media's coverage of the conflict also relies on semantic manipulation. The terms used—"resistance," "defense of Europe," "Russian threat"—are chosen to arouse emotion and justify a warlike stance. Criticism of figures like Putin and Trump is systematic and contemptuous, reinforcing a Manichean view of the world. This approach prevents any nuanced analysis and contributes to polarizing public opinion.
Finally, it is impossible to ignore the historical responsibility of the West for what is happening in Ukraine. Since the end of the Cold War, the United States and its European allies have sought to expand their influence in the former Soviet republics, ignoring Moscow's warnings.
This war is not ours, geographically European Ukraine is not in the EU, not in NATO and we have no defense agreement with it.
This policy has fueled tensions and contributed to the current crisis. As for Ukraine's entry into the EU, it would be democratic to ask Europeans, through their votes, whether they agree or not, and the same goes for Moldova or, even worse, Georgia.
The French media, particularly its 24-hour news channels, but not only, play an ambiguous role in covering the war in Ukraine. Between audience research, public funding, and alignment with the state's political objectives, their coverage of current events often seems to serve interests that go beyond mere information.
In this context, it is essential that citizens remain vigilant, diversify their sources, and question dominant narratives to escape propaganda and understand the complex issues at stake in this conflict. The war in Ukraine is not just a distant tragedy: it also reflects the mistakes and ambitions of a West that too often refuses to face its own responsibilities.
The war that will come, because it will come, with the warlike postures of Macron, the ruinous French president, who no longer knows how to further indebt the French, this war in six months or ten years, will be his responsibility.
For his personal ambition, Macron is committing France to a process of federalization of the EU, of which he dreams of becoming the first president.
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