Macron to raise France's defence targets, citing Russia threat

Straits Times

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France's President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech to army leaders at l'Hotel de Brienne in Paris, on July 13.
PARIS - President Emmanuel Macron on July 13 called for a massive boost to France's defence spending, saying freedom in Europe was facing a greater threat than at any time since the end of World War II.
'We are living a pivotal moment,' Mr Macron said in a speech to the armed forces on the eve of the national Bastille Day holiday, denouncing 'imperialist policies', 'annexing powers' and the notion that 'might is right', all a reference to Russia.
'Never has peace on our continent depended to such an extent on the decisions that we take now,' said Mr Macron.
France faced the challenge 'of remaining free and masters of our destiny', he added.
Mr Macron said France's defence budget should rise by €3.5 billion (S$5.2 billion) in 2026, and then by a further €3 billion in 2027.
'Present at their battle stations'
'If you want to be feared, you must be powerful,' he said, calling for 'mobilisation' for national defence by all government departments.
'Everyone must be present at their battle stations,' Mr Macron said.
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'We are still ahead, but if we remain at the same speed we will be overtaken tomorrow,' he added.
French military and security officials have been warning of global threats weighing on France, with Defence Chief of Staff Chief Thierry Burkhard saying on July 11 that Russia posed a 'durable' threat to Europe and that the 'rank of European countries in tomorrow's world' was being decided in Ukraine, invaded by Russia in 2022.
Russia currently views France as its 'main adversary in Europe', Mr Burkhard said.
He also warned of the consequences of a diminished US commitment to Europe, along with cyber threats, disinformation campaigns and the risk of terror attacks.
'We have to take account of the fact that there has been a change in strategic parameters,' he said.
On July 13, Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu weighed in, telling the La Tribune weekly newspaper that 'it's our job to provide answers'.
France needed to make 'a new effort' if it wanted to 'depend on nobody' in the future, the minister said.
France's defence budget has already increased sharply since Mr Macron took power, rising from €32.2 billion ($48 billion at current rates) in 2017 to €50.5 billion currently, and is projected to reach €67 billion in 2030.
'Sacrosanct' defence budget
If confirmed, the major defence spending boost could, however, threaten French efforts to cut deficits and reduce its debt mountain, amid pressure from the EU Commission on Paris to impose more fiscal discipline.
The servicing of France's debt alone will cost the Treasury €62 billion this year.
But Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, who on July 15 is to outline his budget plan for 2026, has declared the defence budget to be 'sacrosanct' and exempt from budgetary cuts.
In July 13's speech, Mr Macron rejected any financing of the additional defence spending through additional debt.
Several Nato countries are boosting their military spending, after the alliance's members agreed in June to
spend five percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) on security.
Britain aims to
increase its defence budget to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027, and to 3.0 per cent after 2029. Germany plans to reach a defence budget of €162 billion by 2029, equivalent to 3.5 per cent of its GDP, while Poland already dedicates 4.7 per cent of GDP to defence.
'Very clearly, we need to revise our programming and strategy today, in light of the changing nature of risks,' Mr Macron said on July 10.
Mr Lecornu in July detailed the most urgent needs for the French armed forces, including ground-to-air defences, ammunition, electronic warfare and space capabilities.
In July 13's interview, he said France was mostly worried about falling behind in 'disruptive technologies' including artificial intelligence and quantum technology.
Beyond budget increases, the French government is also seeking to boost 'national cohesion' in the face of global crises, Elysee officials said.
Mr Macron is expected to outline a potential mobilisation drive for young people who should be given 'an opportunity to serve', Elysee officials said. AFP