A secret French Health Ministry document leaked this week reveals plans to prepare hospitals for a potential large-scale conflict by March 2026.
Controversial Health Ministry Document
The French satirical weekly “Le Canard Enchainé” exposed an internal Health Ministry document showing the government’s request to hospitals to prepare for “serious engagement” by March 2026. The document suggests France could become a base for receiving thousands of soldiers if a major European armed conflict were to break out.
Ministry Response
The French Health Ministry emphasized that actions to predict threats and risks that the healthcare system could face, such as epidemics or potential influxes of victims following terrorist attacks, are not new. They clarified that preparations for a hypothetical large-scale engagement were part of long-term international actions (NATO, EU) in which France plays a significant role.
Health Minister’s Statement
Health Minister Catherine Vautrin defended the preparations, stating that “it is entirely normal for a country to anticipate crises and their consequences.” The minister further noted that the wording chosen was “crisis” rather than “war.”
