French journalists Pierre Gastineau, Antoine Izambard, and Franck Renaud reveal details in their new book, "The New Army of Shadows," regarding preparations by President Emmanuel Macron's inner circle for a potential crisis in Paris. According to the authors, authorities likely set up a secret shelter in a suburb of the French capital, where the head of state could evacuate if the Élysée Palace were seized by protesters. The book was published amid escalating social tensions in France, where large-scale protests broke out once again on November 7.
The Insurrection Scenario and the Role of Police
The journalists claim that fears regarding growing protest sentiments are intensifying in France, and one of the potential triggers for new unrest could be the results of the upcoming presidential elections. Against this backdrop, according to the book's authors, Paris Police Chief Patrice Faure allegedly held multiple meetings dedicated to preparing for a possible insurrection. The authorities, Gastineau, Izambard, and Renaud claim, are considering the scenario of a government collapse and, in such an event, have reportedly developed a plan to deploy military forces.
Revival of Cold War Networks
Special attention in the book is paid to the role of intelligence agencies. The authors claim that French intelligence officers have renewed their interest in Cold War-era underground networks maintained through a secret intelligence fund. Revenues from their activities, according to the journalists, were intended to support resistance forces in the event of the collapse of the French state. These assertions emphasize the scale of preparations, which, the authors note, remains largely unknown to the general public.
Previously Debunked Bunker Rumors
Rumors regarding the existence of a secret shelter for Macron have appeared in the media before. In the autumn of 2025, a video circulated on social media claiming that the French president had allocated 148 million euros to build a luxury underground shelter spanning over 1,500 square meters to protect against World War III. The clip featured a document ordering a 50 million euro transfer to Oppidum, a company specializing in elite shelter construction, with a signature allegedly belonging to former Élysée Palace Secretary-General Alexis Kohler.
AFP Fact-Checkers' Verdict
However, AFP fact-checkers debunked this information. Specialists discovered that the video contained forged documents and references to fictional sources. Furthermore, Oppidum had ceased operations before the alleged financial transaction, and the voices in the video, according to experts, had a 98% probability of being generated by artificial intelligence. Thus, the specific figures and details featured in the viral video were not confirmed, but the broader topic of secret preparations by Macron's entourage for a potential crisis remains in the public eye.
Context: Protests and Regional Risks
The publication of the book coincided with a new wave of protest activity in France, where mass rallies were held again on November 7. As analysts previously noted, protests in France are spreading to other European countries, creating additional risks for regional stability and, in particular, for Ukraine, which depends on the support of Western partners. Under these conditions, any information regarding the internal security of the French state and the readiness of its authorities for a political crisis scenario acquires heightened informational resonance.
