Asger Risom
On the eve of Bastille Day, French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a forceful message: Europe’s freedom is under threat, and France must be feared to remain free.
On the eve of Bastille Day, French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a forceful message: Europe’s freedom is under threat, and France must be feared to remain free.
“To Be Free, We Must Be Feared”
In a powerful speech, Macron argued that France’s strength must inspire fear to preserve its freedom, justifying the pay raise for armed forces.
Military Salaries to Rise
The president unveiled a broad salary boost for the French military, a move he said reflects the country’s need to project strength in an unstable world.
€64 Billion Defense Budget by 2027
Macron announced a massive increase in defense spending, raising the military budget to €64 billion by 2027—up €6.5 billion from previous commitments.
“Freedom in Europe Is at Stake”
The French leader warned that Europe’s liberty is under unprecedented threat, citing rising global instability and weakening international norms.
A Veiled Warning to the U.S.
Macron lamented a new “uncertainty” introduced by the United States, hinting at strained transatlantic ties amid shifting global alliances.
No New Debt to Fund the Build-up
Despite the scale of the investment, Macron pledged that the defense budget increase would not be financed through additional national debt.
Historic Commitment to Defense
Labeling the move “historic and proportional,” Macron framed it as France’s most significant military investment since World War II.
A Call for European Strength
Macron’s message wasn’t just national, it was continental. He called on Europe to recognize the need for collective strength in the face of rising geopolitical threats.
