In a move that can only be described as ‘bold,’ French Prime Minister François Bayrou has announced that Europe must ‘stand up’ to U.S. President Donald Trump or face being ‘dominated, crushed, and marginalized.’ Yes, you heard that right. The leader of a country whose most famous military strategy involves rapid retreats is now calling for a showdown with the United States.

During his New Year’s address in Pau, Bayrou warned that the U.S. has embarked on an ‘extremely domineering form of politics’ through the dollar and industrial policy, aiming to ‘capture the world’s investments and the world’s research.’ One can’t help but wonder if Bayrou’s sudden bravado is a result of too much champagne during the holiday season.

It’s worth noting that France is currently grappling with its own set of challenges. President Emmanuel Macron’s pension reform is facing significant opposition, leading to political instability and a fragile minority government. Yet, amidst these domestic issues, Bayrou seems eager to pick a fight with the U.S., perhaps as a distraction or a misguided attempt to rally European unity.

Meanwhile, President Macron has emphasized the need for Europe to increase its defense spending and reduce reliance on American weapons. This push for ‘strategic autonomy’ sounds great in theory, but given Europe’s track record on military spending, it’s akin to asking a couch potato to run a marathon.

As President Trump prepares for his inauguration, promising a new ‘golden age’ for the United States, European leaders like Bayrou and Macron are scrambling to assert their relevance on the global stage. However, with internal political turmoil and economic challenges, one has to question whether they have the capacity to ‘stand up’ to anyone, let alone a U.S. president known for his unpredictability and ‘America First’ policies.

In the end, Bayrou’s call to action may be more about posturing than actual policy. It’s easy to make grand statements about resisting domination, but without a clear plan and the means to back it up, such declarations ring hollow. For now, it seems Europe will continue to grapple with its own issues while keeping a wary eye on the developments across the Atlantic.