Paris (TDI): French President Emmanuel Macron, in a speech to France’s military, announced an additional €6.5 billion in military spending, on Sunday. He also warned of Europe facing an unprecedented threat to freedom since World War II and called for an increased military budget.
Macron made this speech on the eve of Bastille Day – the national holiday in France. In a speech, the French leader stressed the need for intensified efforts to protect Europe and to support Ukraine in the face of an ongoing full-scale Russian invasion.
He also highlighted the need for France to be powerful to make sure it remains safe from any dangers presented to France and Europe from Russia’s war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, or foreign-led disinformation campaigns.
According to Macron, France aims to allocate €64 billion for defense in 2027 which if done will be double the €32 billion that France was spending on its military budget when Macron took office in 2017.
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Even though criticized by the left within the country on this budget increase, Macron Insists France can afford higher military spending even as it deals with the national debt. Nevertheless, he is supported by the far right and conservative parties who seek to increase the military budget.
Moreover, the French leader also ordered his military and defense leadership to launch a ‘strategic dialogue’ with European partners about the potential role the French nuclear arsenal can play in Europe’s security.
Also, in an unusual move, France and the UK have recently agreed to strengthen their collaboration on nuclear defense.
Macron’s speech coincided with expectations that US President Trump will make an announcement regarding Russia on Monday, while the head of NATO is set to visit Washington for two days of talks.
