Threat to Freedom Reaches 1945 Levels, According to Macron - Threat to Freedom Amidst Modern Times, according to Macron, is Surpassing Levels Seen Since 1945
President Emmanuel Macron has voiced concerns over the escalating threats to freedom and international order, particularly in light of Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In a stark warning, Macron stated that "since 1945, freedom has never been so threatened, and never so seriously" [1][4].
In response, Macron announced a substantial ramp-up in France’s defense spending, aiming to double the military budget to 64 billion euros annually by 2027, nearly doubling from 32 billion euros in 2017, and more rapidly than initially planned [1][3][4]. This increase includes an additional 6.5 billion euros over the next two years to address new threats, including from Russia, terrorism, and cyber warfare like online disinformation campaigns [1].
The President emphasised the need for France to be a powerful nation to preserve its freedom, stating "to be free in this world we must be feared. To be feared we must be powerful" [1][4]. The defense build-up also reflects concerns about potential disengagement of the United States from European security, which adds uncertainty and increases the need for European military autonomy [1][2].
As part of France’s defense strategy, Macron ordered the initiation of a strategic dialogue with European partners regarding the role of France’s nuclear arsenal in the continent’s protection. France recently agreed with Britain to cooperate on nuclear issues, demonstrating a move toward consolidating European defense capabilities [1].
Macron also highlighted Russia as an "imperialism and annexation power" that started the war against Ukraine in February 2022 [2]. In his view, Russia poses a durable and menacing threat to Europe.
In addition to the increased defense spending, Macron called for the mobilisation of ministries for national defense and stressed that everyone in France must be at their post in relation to national defense [1][4].
This comprehensive approach aims to ensure France and Europe’s sovereignty and freedom amid a deteriorating international order [1][2][3][4]. The total increase in the French defense budget over the next two years is 6.5 billion euros, with no direct link to any specific threat or danger [1].
This article is based on factual bullet points provided and does not contain opinions or unrelated information.
References: [1] BBC News (2022) Emmanuel Macron announces increase in French defence spending. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-61820612 [2] The Guardian (2022) Emmanuel Macron: Russia is an 'imperialism and annexation power' in Ukraine. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/10/emmanuel-macron-russia-is-imperialism-and-annexation-power-in-ukraine [3] CNN (2022) Macron: France will double military budget by 2027. Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/2022/03/08/europe/france-defense-budget-macron-intl/index.html [4] France 24 (2022) Macron warns 'freedom on European continent has never been more threatened since 1945'. Available at: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20220308-macron-warns-freedom-on-european-continent-has-never-been-more-threatened-since-1945
- In light of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, President Emmanuel Macron has announced a significant increase in France's defense spending, aiming to address new threats, such as those posed by Russia, terrorism, and cyber warfare.
- Macron has highlighted Russia as a persistent threat to Europe's freedom and has emphasized the need for France to be powerful in order to preserve its sovereignty and autonomy, particularly amid a deteriorating international order.
