Pierre de Villiers

Pierre François Marie Le Jolis de Villiers de Saintignon (born 26 July 1956) dit Pierre de Villiers is an Army General of the French Army and a former Chief of the Defence Staff.[6] Following a disagreement with President Emmanuel Macron, who is ex-officio Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, he tendered his resignation on 19 July 2017.[7]

Pierre de Villiers
General de Villiers in 2015
Chief of the Defence Staff
In office
15 February 2014[1] – 19 July 2017[2]
Preceded byÉdouard Guillaud
Succeeded byFrançois Lecointre
Major General of the Defence Staff
In office
11 March 2010[3] – 15 February 2014
Preceded byPierrick Blairon
Succeeded byGratien Maire
Head of the Prime Minister's military cabinet
In office
15 September 2008[4] – 11 March 2010[5]
Prime MinisterFrançois Fillon
Preceded byJean-Marc Denuel
Succeeded byBernard de Courrèges d'Ustou
Personal details
Born (1956-07-26) 26 July 1956
Boulogne, France
Children6
Alma materPrytanée National Militaire
École spéciale militaire
Military service
Allegiance French Republic
Branch/serviceFrench Army
Years of service1975 – 2017
RankArmy general
Unit
Commands
Battles/wars

Biography

House Le Jolie de Villiers

Pierre Le Jolis de Villiers de Saintignon is a member of the House of Le Jolis de Villiers (French: Famille Le Jolis de Villiers) established in the 16th century. His brother is the French politician Philippe de Villiers.[8]

Early military career

20th century

After two years of preparatory corniche (French: corniche) at Prytanée National Militaire, Pierre Le Jolis de Villiers de Saintignon was admitted to the École spéciale militaire de Saint-Cyr in 1975, promotion « Captain Henri Guilleminot » (French: Henri Guilleminot). He entered at the end of his scholarity the Armoured Cavalry Arm and joined the Cavalry School of Saumur within his specialty,[9] promotion « lieutenant Charles de Foucauld ». He was a section platoon chief of AMX30 tanks at the 2nd Dragoon Regiment in 1978.[10]

He entered between 1979 and 1987 to the 4th Dragoon Regiment, which also housed a platoon of AMX30 tanks. He commanded a divisionary reconnaissance squadron of the 7th Armoured Division.[10] He was then on three different occasions an instructor of sous-officiers and lieutenants at Saumur.[10] From 1989 to 1990, he was a candidate at the Superior War School of the 103rd promotion of the ESG, then from 1990–1991, he was a candidate at the Superior Inter-arm Course (XLII session of the CSI).

He was then designated as the regimental commander of the 501st-503rd Combat Tank Regiment. In June 1999, he commanded during five months the mechanized infantry battalion of the Leclerc brigade, which entered first in Kosovo with operation KFOR. During twelve years, he was in post in Paris at the general staff headquarters of the French Army, then at the inspection of the French Army and member of the financial affairs direction of the Ministry of the Armed Forces.[10]

21st century

From September to June 2004, he was an auditor at the Center of High Military Studies and at the Institute of High National Defense Studies. Deputy to the Chief of the Prime Minister's military cabinet on 1 July 2004, he was promoted to Général de brigade on 1 September 2005.

He was designated commandant of the 2nd Armoured Brigade and arms commandant of the court of Orléans (French: commandant d'armes de la place d'Orléans) on 1 August 2006, a function which he occupied until 31 August 2008. In parallel, from December 2006 to April 2007, he commanded the Regional Capital Command RCC in Afghanistan which regrouped 2500 military personnel from 15 nationalities.

He was nominated as at the Head of the Prime Minister's military cabinet on 15 September 2008, a function which occupied until March 2010, date in which he was replaced by Bernard de Courrèges d'Ustou (French: Bernard de Courrèges d'Ustou). By decree on 11 March 2010, he was nominated to the functions of Major General of the Armed Forces at the general staff headquarters of the armed forces.

Chief of the Defence Staff

Général de Villiers was appointed on 15 February 2014 Chief of the Defence Staff succeeding Admiral Édouard Guillaud. Charged with attacks against the Islamic State after the November 2015 Paris attacks, he judged that the necessary military attacks against this entity can only but guarantee peace and security, by recalling the comfort means of the French Armed Forces.[11][12]

He coordinated the exterior operations of Operation Barkhane in Sahel, Operation Sangaris in Central African Republic and Opération Chammal in Syria and in Iraq. He was also equally in charge of the interior natured anti-terrorist operation, Opération Sentinelle.

French Army Chief général Pierre de Villiers in 2014.
Pierre de Villiers, at the side of United States Army general Martin E. Dempsey, on 23 April 2014.

The French Foreign Legion, on 30 April 2015, commemorated their 152nd anniversary of Camaron in presence of Villiers.[13] Commemorating also the 70th Liberation Anniversary, Général de Villiers declared that " Commemorating Camerone is commemorating the courage, the cult of the mission, the respect of senior veterans, giving the youth a formidable message of hope for the future", while also adding that "« honor and fidelity are always values which gather »".[13]

During the ceremony, Adjudant-Chef François Monarcha, born in Poland 98 years and «4 months ago»- the senior veteran was insisting on this precision-, was part of the main parade as he was accompanied by a former Harki and a non-commissioned officer of British origin.[13] Addressing the legionnaires, Général de Villiers declared "« Your regimental colors and flags do not have enough folds and space in them to house and contain all your titles of glory » ".[13]

Position on defence budget

In December 2016, Villiers called for an increase in armed forces' budget from 1.7% to 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) before 2022.[14][15] This would allow France to meet the NATO defense spending requirements currently met by only the United States, Greece, United Kingdom, Estonia and Poland.[16]

In March 2017, Villiers once again expressed support for increasing the defence budget to 2% of GDP by 2022 - an increase of about three billion euros per year.[17] Emmanuel Macron announced a promise to increase the defence budget to 2% by 2025[18] and Marine Le Pen announced in Lyon that she wishes to see the defence budget increased to 3% of GDP in order to build a new aircraft carrier, hire 50,000 new military personnel and progressively reintroduce compulsory military service, starting with a 3-month commitment.[19]

Criticism of Macron and resignation

On 11 July 2017, Minister of Public Action and Accounts Gérald Darmanin announced that part of the government's plan to reduce spending, the military were going to be cut by 850 million euros in 2017.[20] The following day, Le Monde reported that Villiers met with the Defense Committee in the National Assembly and told them "I will not get fucked over like this".[21] The conversation was caught on tape and leaked by Le Monde. Also, accordingly to Le Figaro, Villiers unleashed his fury, and added monumentally "I can no longer look my guys in the eyes if we reduce our means further".[22]

General Pierre de Villiers receives the Legion of Merit as the United States Navy Ceremonial Band stands at attention (6 February 2017).

Emmanuel Macron, during a speech to the armed forces on 13 July 2017 in which he famously said "I am the boss",[23] affirmed his plan to raise the defence budget to 2% of GDP by 2025.[24] During the speech, Macron publicly called out de Villiers numerous times, addressing the recent leak reported by Le Monde. During Bastille Day military parade, Général de Villiers and President Macron, as customary for the Chief and Commander-in-Chief of the French Armed Forces, rode together standing side by side in the same vehicle during the ceremonial parade.

Following the Bastille Day parade, Villiers posted on Facebook a criticism of the Macron government's plans to reduce defence spending.[25] Le Journal du Dimanche reported on 16 July 2017 that Macron was possibly looking to replace de Villiers stating "The Republic doesn't work like this"[26] Macron then went on to say that he has confidence in de Villiers.[20]

Général de Villiers stepped down on 19 July 2017 due to budget cuts and disagreements with President Emmanuel Macron.[7] This was the first time in the 5th Republic that a Chief of the Defence Staff has forcibly resigned.[27] A press release was issued on francetvinfo's website.[28] On the same day, Macron confirmed Army general François Lecointre as Villiers' replacement.[29] Macron described Villiers' behaviour surrounding his resignation as "undignified".[30]

While de Villiers was leaving the Ministry of Armed Forces, a crowd of soldiers and military personnel applauded him.[31]

In retirement

Following his resignation, speculation arose that he might enter politics: Polling in 2020 found that 20% of French voters might've supported him in the 2022 presidential election.[32]

Military ranks
Ranks attained in the French Army
Élève-officier[lower-alpha 1] Aspirant[lower-alpha 2] Sous-lieutenant[lower-alpha 3] Lieutenant[lower-alpha 4] Capitaine Chef d'escadrons
1975 1976 1 August 1977[33] 1 August 1978[33] 1 August 1982[33] 1 July 1988[33]
Lieutenant-colonel Colonel Général de brigade Général de division Général de corps d'armée[lower-alpha 5] Général d'armée[lower-alpha 5]
1 July 1992[34] 1 December 1997[35] 1 December 2005[36] 1 July 2008[37] 1 November 2009[38] 11 March 2010[3]

Honours and decorations
Honours and decorations
National honours
Ribbon bar Name Date Source
Grand Officer of the National Order of the Legion of Honour 28 June 2013 [39]
Commander of the National Order of the Legion of Honour 17 July 2007 [40]
Officer of the National Order of the Legion of Honour 14 September 2005 [41]
Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour 22 July 1997 [42]
Officer of the National Order of Merit 10 December 2002 [43]
Knight of the National Order of Merit 17 January 1993 -
Military decorations
Ribbon bar Name Source
Combatant's Cross - Two clasps -
Cross for Military Valour - Bronze star (one citation) -
National Defence Medal - Gold grade with bronze palm (one army level citation) -
Medal of Youth and Sports - Bronze grade -
French commemorative medal -
NATO Medal - Ex-Yugoslavia clasp -
NATO Medal - Kosovo clasp -
NATO Medal - ISAF clasp -
Foreign honours
Ribbon bar Name Country Source
Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany Germany [44]
Commander of the Legion of Merit United States -
Commander of the National Order of the Lion Senegal -
Commander of the Order of Merit Niger -
Burkina Faso Ordre national Commandeur ribbon Commander of the National Order of Burkina Faso Burkina Faso -
Officer of the Order pro Merito Melitensi SMOM -
Officer of the Order of Valour Cameroon [45]
Medal of Gratitude of the Armed Forces Gabon -
Badges
Insignia Name
French Parachutist Badge
Chief of the Defence Staff Badge

Pierre de Villiers is an Honorary Caporal (bestowed) of the Troupes de marine (2014).

Publications
  • Servir (Paris : ed. Fayard, 2017)
  • Qu'est-ce-qu'un chef ? (Paris : ed. Fayard, 2018)
  • L'équilibre est un courage (Paris : ed. Fayard, 2020)
  • Paroles d'honneur (Paris : ed. Fayard, 2022)

See also

References
  1. First year of ESM Saint-Cyr
  2. Second year of ESM Saint-Cyr
  3. Third year of ESM Saint-Cyr
  4. Upon leaving ESM Saint-Cyr
  5. Not a rank, but a position and style
  1. Government of the French Republic (16 January 2014). "Décret du 16 janvier 2014 portant affectations et élévation d'officiers généraux". Retrieved 20 July 2019.
  2. Government of the French Republic (19 July 2017). "Décret du 19 juillet 2017 portant cessation de fonctions d'un officier général". Retrieved 20 July 2019.
  3. Government of the French Republic (11 March 2010). "Décret du 11 mars 2010 portant affectation et élévation aux rang et appellation de général d'armée d'un officier général". Retrieved 20 July 2019.
  4. Government of the French Republic (29 August 2008). "Arrêté du 29 août 2008 relatif à la composition du cabinet du Premier ministre". Retrieved 20 July 2019.
  5. Government of the French Republic (11 March 2010). "Arrêté du 11 mars 2010 relatif à la composition du cabinet du Premier ministre". Retrieved 20 July 2019.
  6. "France's armed forces chief resigns over Macron budget cuts". Reuters. 19 July 2017. Retrieved 2017-07-19.
  7. Dearden, Lizzie (July 19, 2017). "French armed forces chief quits after clash with Emmanuel Macron over budget cuts". The Independent. Archived from the original on 2022-05-26. Retrieved July 19, 2017.
  8. Alain Barluet (19 July 2017). "Le général Pierre de Villiers, chef d'état-major des armées, a démissionné". Le Figaro. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
  9. "Le nouveau patron des armées est un ancien du Prytanée". Le Maine libre. 16 January 2014. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
  10. "Biographie du CEMA". Ministère des Armées. 27 April 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
  11. "L'armée n'envisage pas une victoire militaire contre l'EI " à court terme "". Le Monde. 22 November 2015. Retrieved 21 January 2016..
  12. Pierre de Villiers (20 January 2016). "Gagner la guerre ne suffit pas à gagner la paix". Le Monde.
  13. "La Legion Etrangère honore ses héros à Aubagne". Le Figaro (in French). 2015-04-30. Retrieved 10 August 2017.
  14. Inter, France (2016-12-21). "Le chef d'état-major des armées réclame plus de moyens : " Le prix de la paix, c'est l'effort de guerre. "". France Inter (in French). Retrieved 2017-07-22.
  15. "Le prix de la paix, c'est l'effort de guerre". lesechos.fr (in French). 2016-12-20. Retrieved 2017-07-22.
  16. Bremmer, Ian. "The Only 5 Countries That Meet NATO's Defense Spending Requirements". Time. Retrieved 2017-07-22.
  17. "Budget défense : ce que veut le général Pierre de Villiers". La Tribune (in French). Retrieved 2017-07-22.
  18. "Le budget de la défense - propositions des candidats à l'élection présidentielle 2017". Le Monde (in French). Archived from the original on 2017-07-19. Retrieved 2017-07-22.
  19. "Marine Le Pen's plan to make France great again". POLITICO. 2017-02-04. Retrieved 2017-07-22.
  20. "La polémique entre Emmanuel Macron et le général Pierre de Villiers en cinq actes". Franceinfo (in French). 2017-07-17. Retrieved 2017-07-22.
  21. "French army chief resigns over Macron spat". POLITICO. 2017-07-19. Retrieved 2017-07-22.
  22. "Budget défense : le général de Villiers laisse éclater sa colère / Defense Budget : général de Villiers unleashed his fury". Le Figaro (in French). 2017-07-14. Retrieved 2017-08-02.
  23. Chrisafis, Angelique (19 July 2017). "Head of French military quits after row with Emmanuel Macron". Guardian News & Media Limited.
  24. "Forces armées: Emmanuel Macron reprend la main sur le débat budgétaire". LExpress.fr (in French). 2017-07-13. Retrieved 2017-07-22.
  25. "Gros coup de pression d'Emmanuel Macron sur le chef d'état-major des armées, le général de Villiers". Marianne (in French). 2017-07-16. Retrieved 2017-07-22.
  26. JDD, Le. "Macron sur le budget des armées : "Je dis ce que je fais et je fais ce que je dis"". www.lejdd.fr (in French). Retrieved 2017-07-22.
  27. Guibert, Nathalie (2017-07-19). "Démission du chef d'état-major Pierre de Villiers, un fait sans précédent depuis 1958". Le Monde (in French). ISSN 1950-6244. Retrieved 2017-07-22.
  28. "Le général Pierre de Villiers, chef d'état-major des armées, annonce sa démission". Franceinfo (in French). 2017-07-19. Retrieved 2017-07-22.
  29. "Le général François Lecointre succède à Pierre de Villiers" (in French). Retrieved 2017-07-22.
  30. "France's top general quits, in a test for Emmanuel Macron". The Economist. 20 July 2017. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
  31. BFMTV, Après sa démission, l'impressionnante salve d'applaudissements pour le général de Villiers (in French), BFMTV, retrieved 2017-07-22
  32. "Présidentielle 2022 : 20% des Français prêts à voter pour le général de Villiers". LEFIGARO (in French). 2020-11-20. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
  33. Ministry of the Armies. "BIOGRAPHIE du Général d'armée Pierre de VILLIERS" (PDF). Retrieved 20 July 2019.
  34. Government of the French Republic (16 April 1992). "Décret du 16 avril 1992 portant nomination et promotion dans l'armée active". Retrieved 20 July 2019.
  35. Government of the French Republic (15 December 1997). "Décret du 15 décembre 1997 portant nomination et promotion dans l'armée active". Retrieved 20 July 2019.
  36. Government of the French Republic (20 October 2005). "Décret du 20 octobre 2005 portant maintien en activité, admission dans la 2e section par anticipation et sur demande, promotion et nomination dans la 1re et la 2e section et affectation d'officiers généraux". Retrieved 20 July 2019.
  37. Government of the French Republic (9 June 2008). "Décret du 9 juin 2008 portant affectation et élévation aux rang et appellation de général d'armée, affectation et élévation aux rang et appellation de général de corps d'armée, élévation aux rang et appellation de général de corps d'armée, élévation aux rang et appellation de vice-amiral d'escadre, affectation et promotion au grade de général de division, promotion et nomination dans la 1re et la 2e section et affectation d'officiers généraux". Retrieved 20 July 2019.
  38. Government of the French Republic (19 January 2017). "Décret du 19 janvier 2017 portant élévations dans la 1re section d'officiers généraux". Retrieved 18 July 2019.
  39. Government of the French Republic (28 June 2013). "Décret du 28 juin 2013 portant élévation" (in French). Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  40. Government of the French Republic (6 July 2007). "Décret du 6 juillet 2007 portant promotion" (in French). Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  41. Government of the French Republic (1 July 2006). "Décret du 1er juillet 2005 portant promotion" (in French). Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  42. Government of the French Republic (7 July 1997). "Décret du 7 juillet 1997 portant promotion" (in French). Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  43. Government of the French Republic (7 November 2001). "Décret du 7 novembre 2001 portant promotion et nomination" (in French). Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  44. "Generalinspekteur der Bundeswehr empfängt französischen Generalstabschef, General Pierre de Villiers, mit militärischen Ehren und zur Aushändigung des Bundesverdienstkreuzes" (PDF) (in German). Bundesministerium der Verteidigung. 24 March 2014. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
  45. "Visite au Cameroun du général d'armée Pierre de Villiers, chef d'état-major des armées françaises". La France au Cameroun (in French). 28 January 2016. Retrieved 22 July 2017.

Sources
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