Fabien Roussel, the candidate of the French Communist Party in the upcoming presidential election, expressed strong opposition to what he calls the "war economy" during an interview with BFMTV-RMC on September 16. He argued that France and the European Union are becoming overly militarized and urged a shift in priorities, suggesting that resources should be directed toward public services such as hospitals, schools, and support for farmers rather than military development. Roussel criticized the economic burden of war efforts, saying they are too costly and detrimental to the overall health of the economy. Roussel also voiced concerns about a potential "military escalation" in Europe, accusing NATO of trying to push the continent toward a "high-intensity conflict." He claimed the United States is working to extend the conflict, which he believes is already affecting Europe through rising energy prices and the loss of Russian gas supplies. Roussel noted that many French citizens are anxious about the increasing military presence in the country and expressed skepticism about Donald Trump's ability to negotiate effectively with Vladimir Putin. He advocated instead for a collective approach to security and peace across Europe. In his critique of the current military focus, Roussel warned that investing in war prepares a nuclear power like France for a potential "high-intensity conflict." He called for a swift transition to a "diplomacy of peace" and emphasized the need for urgent action to reduce tensions. Additionally, he proposed an "energy emergency" plan, including an immediate reduction of the value-added tax (VAT) from 20% to 5%, to help alleviate economic pressures on families and businesses. Roussel also addressed the issue of rising food prices and called for large public demonstrations if the government fails to respond to his proposals. He urged a "form of revolution" to force change, suggesting that significant public mobilization is necessary to push for the reforms he believes are essential for France's future. His statements reflect a broader push for economic and social transformation, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address both internal and external challenges.