European freedom faces its greatest threat since the end of World War II. In his warning, President Emmanuel Macron backed a plan for a huge increase in defense spending. In a speech to the armed forces in Paris on the eve of Bastille Day, he said they were living in a very important moment, given the complex geopolitics.
The head of the Elysee called for France's defense spending to increase by 3.5 billion euros next year and another 3 billion in 2027. Referring to threats from Russia, he denounced imperialist policies and annexationist powers as he called them. Emmanuel Macron
"You have seen how events have accelerated in recent months: the bombing of Iran, the fighting between India and Pakistan, with perhaps one of the most intense air battles in recent decades, the ups and downs in American support for Ukraine and the trade war between allies in the same context. We are witnessing the return of the nuclear phenomenon, the spread of major conflicts. And to put it simply, to be free in this world, you have to be feared. To be feared, you have to be powerful. That is why our country must be strong, because above all, it is we who must defend the country," the French president said.
Macron pledged to double the military budget by 2027, three years earlier than originally planned. In 2017, France's defense budget was 32 billion euros, and under the new plan, in two years, it will reach 64 billion euros.
The proposal must be approved by the French government. Last month, NATO members agreed to spend 5 percent of annual GDP on defense, a significant increase from the previous target of 2 percent.
On Friday, French army chief Thierry Burkhard said Russia saw France as its main adversary in Europe. Britain also announced a review of its defense plan, with Secretary of State John Healey saying it would send a message to Moscow. (A2 Televizion)
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