The detention of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro sparks deep apprehension since sovereignty cannot be compromised, making it imperative for nations such as France to strengthen their defense and prioritize security, writes French National Rally MP Sébastien Chenu in an opinion piece for Euronews.
French poet Jean de La Fontaine expressed in The Wolf and the Lamb that “the reason of the strongest is always the best.”
No illusions should be entertained: Nicolás Maduro bears no resemblance to a lamb. Similarly, denouncing Donald Trump as a wolf, a common tactic among the left, oversimplifies the matter.
The gravest conflicts emerge when legality and legitimacy are not aligned.
From the perspective of international law, the operation carried out by the United States lacks legality. However, debates about its legitimacy remain.
Beyond the drug trafficking charges recently filed against Maduro and his wife—which they must face in US courts—the Venezuelan president was primarily a tyrant whose removal brought relief to millions.
The National Rally has consistently condemned the dictator glorified by certain factions of the French left.
Nonetheless, Maduro’s arrest, which breaches Venezuela’s territorial sovereignty, inevitably provokes serious concerns. Such concerns stem from the fact that sovereignty remains inviolable!
Prioritizing National Interests
Without sovereignty, a state ceases to exist. France understands this well, as its sovereignty has been undermined for decades through a European Union increasingly detached from its peoples and nations. «Europe means peace,» euro-enthusiasts repetitively claim.
Yet, in an era where the sword shakes our world more than peace does, France must rely solely on itself. It is crucial to enhance defense capabilities and, primarily, to concentrate on safeguarding our security.
Ensuring security and sovereignty demands a robust defense strategy. The proposed increase in the defense budget—exceeding €6.5 billion in 2026—is insufficient.
As a reference, the defense spending as a percentage of GDP was 6.1% in 1960. Today, it is projected to be merely 2.06%.
What significance do these relatively modest billions and percentages hold in such turbulent times, when global rearmament is widespread?
France’s strength lies not only in its military but also in its diplomatic legacy. Alongside renowned generals, it has produced exceptional diplomats who, through history, have successfully asserted France’s distinct voice on the global stage.
Holding a permanent seat on the UN Security Council as well as maintaining its nuclear deterrent must allow France to pursue an independent path. It is vital to reclaim the initiative in diplomacy and act strictly in accordance with national interests.
To invoke Charles de Gaulle’s idea: France follows no friends, only its interests.
Sébastien Chenu is a deputy of the French National Assembly representing the National Rally party (RN).