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Macron urges France to double defense budget - 'We face huge threat'

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President Emmanuel Macron called for a massive boost to France's defense 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," 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."

"Never has peace on our continent depended to such an extent on the decisions that we take now," Macron added.

Macron said France's defense budget should rise by $4.1 billion in 2026, and then by a further $3.5 billion in 2027.

"If you want to be feared, you must be powerful," he said, calling for "mobilization" for national defense by all government departments. "Everyone must be present at their battle stations. We are still ahead, but if we remain at the same speed we will be overtaken tomorrow."

French military and security officials have been warning of global threats weighing on France, with Defence Chief of Staff Chief Thierry Burkhard warning on Friday  that there were huge threats in Europe

He also warned of the consequences of a diminished U.S. 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.

Emmanuel Macron with Chief of Staff of the French Armed Forces during Monday's Bastille Day military ceremony in Paris. /Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters
Emmanuel Macron with Chief of Staff of the French Armed Forces during Monday's Bastille Day military ceremony in Paris. /Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters

Emmanuel Macron with Chief of Staff of the French Armed Forces during Monday's Bastille Day military ceremony in Paris. /Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters

On Sunday, 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 defense budget has already increased sharply since Macron took power, rising from $37.6 billion at current rates in 2017 to $59 billion currently. It is projected to reach $78 billion in 2030.

If confirmed, the major defense 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 $72.5 billion this year.

But Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, who on Tuesday is outlining his budget plan for 2026, has declared the defense budget to be "sacrosanct" and exempt from budgetary cuts.

In Sunday's speech, 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 last month to spend five percent of their GDP on security.

French troops form part of the parade for the Bastille Day military ceremony on the Champs-Elysees avenue. /Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters
French troops form part of the parade for the Bastille Day military ceremony on the Champs-Elysees avenue. /Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters

French troops form part of the parade for the Bastille Day military ceremony on the Champs-Elysees avenue. /Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters

What is Bastille Day?

Bastille Day is France's biggest holiday, celebrated every year on July 14 to commemorate the Storming of the Bastille in 1789 that sparked the French Revolution and ultimately overthrew the monarchy.

On Monday, France will have a grand parade, including military jet flyovers, a drone light show over the Eiffel Tower and fireworks in almost every city.

Around 7,000 people will march or ride on horseback or in armored vehicles along the the iconic Champs-Élysées avenue in the French capital Paris.

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