Overview

• Macron accelerated the defense spending target under the 2017 military programming law to reach €64 billion by 2027, three years ahead of schedule.
• He highlighted plans to ramp up production of drones, precision and saturation munitions, air defense systems and space capabilities following lessons from Ukraine.
• Bayrou’s €43.8 billion austerity plan excludes defense and mandates a frozen 2026 pension and civil service pay, cuts two public holidays and reduces civil service replacement to two for every three retirements.
• A poll by Odoxa-Backbone Consulting finds 72% of French voters back increased defense funding even as opposition parties vow to challenge the austerity measures in parliament.
• The government has deferred a decision on voluntary military service until autumn and must secure parliamentary approval for its broader fiscal program.