French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a massive boost in France’s defence spending, saying freedom in Europe is facing a greater threat from Russia than at any time since the Second World War.
He said, during an address to the armed forces on the national Bastille Day holiday, that “We are living at a pivotal moment.” While denouncing Russia in an indirect reference, he spoke of “imperialist policies”, “annexing powers”, and the notion that “might is right”.
Macron said that “peace has never before depended to such an extent on the decisions that we take now”, adding, “France faces the challenge of remaining free and masters of our destiny.”
Macron said French defence spending should increase by 3.5 billion euros (£2.95 billion) next year, with further rises planned for 2027. He said, “If you want to be feared, you must be powerful enough to deter the enemy. Everyone must be present at their battle stations,” Macron added.
Meanwhile, France’s military chief Thierry Burkhard said on Friday that Russia was posing a “double threat” to Europe and that the fate of neighbouring countries was being decided in Ukraine. He said, “Russia views France as the main adversary on the continent.”
However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has insisted he has no intention of taking the fight to other countries and has urged nations such as France to stop spreading false and misleading claims designed to instil fear in the region.
France’s defence budget has already increased sharply since Macron came to power, rising from 32.2 billion euros (£27.2 billion) in 2017 to 50.5 billion currently, and it is projected to reach 67 billion euros by 2030.
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