France’s Armed Forces Chief, Pierre de Villiers on Wednesday resigned his position over disputes relating to President Macron’s defence budget cuts.

In a statement, the 60-year-old de Villiers said he had, despite the difficult financial constraints tried to keep the country’s armed forces fit for its numerous difficult tasks but was no longer able to sustain it.

“In the current circumstances I see myself as no longer able to guarantee the robust defence force I believe is necessary to guarantee the protection of France and French people, today and tomorrow and to sustain the aims of our country,” de Villiers said.

The resignation of France’s most senior soldier highlights the struggles of a major world military power as it contends with Islamic insurgencies in Africa, partnering with allies in Middle East conflicts as well as keeping its streets safe from threats of jihadist attacks on French soil.

However, Macron in a show of  mettle and the tough presidential style he is cultivating, has quickly moved to replaced de Villiers by appointing 55-year-old General Francois Lecointre to fill the void.