France defense spending Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Sunday a significant increase in defensive spending over the next few years, warning of the imminent threats of France and the broader security of Europe.

“Since 1945, freedom was never threatened, and it was not seriously,” Macron said.

“To be free in this world, you must be afraid. He said:” You must be fearful, you must be strong. ” In the comments issued by Elysee Palace. Macron, Russia, cited the ongoing war in Ukraine, Internet crime and terrorism as threats of national and European freedom.

Macron called for raising defensive spending by 3.5 billion euros ($ 4.09 billion) next year and by 3 billion others in 2027. This will take the total amount of security that security in that year to 64 billion euros – double the defense budget that the French armed forces in 2017, when Macron became president.

French lawmakers must agree to increases before their age. The Parliament of France, the National Assembly, is already carrying the most famous of the quarrels over the year 2025, the national cost savings, With the arguments that led to a former government collapse in late last year.

France is trying to curb the budget deficit, Which reached 5.8 % in 2024In addition to the public debts, which amounted to 113 % of GDP during this period.

Macron said more details about the plans will be announced by Prime Minister Francois Bayro on Tuesday when it provides an update on the 2026 budget. More “austerity” measures can be detected at that time – or tax increases, which will be unpopular with the right.

On Sunday, Macron invited his citizens to work for the greatest good.

Macron said: “The nation needs you, adding that” every French man and a woman must be aware of the threat around us, “adding,” We all need to make sacrifices. Freedom has a price. ”

This price sign may be very high for legislators who accept, especially those who were on the left, who are already dealing with spending discounts. The savings must be provided to reduce the budget deficit, which is targeted by the government by 5.4 % this year And 4.6 % in 2026.

Finance Minister Eric Lombard said in April that reaching the 2026 goal means that savings worth 40 billion euros (46 billion dollars) must be found.

“I stick to 4.6 % for 2026, which will require an additional and very large effort of 40 billion euros,” Lombard told BFM TV. In the comments, it was translated by Reuters.

“We are in an emergency, regarding our budget,” he added.