French President Emmanuel Macron, seeking re-sync of U.S.-French relations, says trade concerns are "fixable"
CBSDec 24, 2022
The Facts
French Pres. Emmanuel Macron on Friday said France would increase its military budget by more than one-third over the next six years to respond to "the dangers of the century," including threats posed by the Russia-Ukraine war and technological advances.
The planned 2024-2030 budget will reportedly be raised to €413B ($447B), up from €295B ($320B) in 2019-2025, to aid France's military "to be one war ahead" and adapt to the possibility of high-intensity conflicts.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The government must increase France's military budget to ensure the nation's security, freedom, and prosperity. Russia's invasion of Ukraine, hybrid warfare, and a deteriorating global economy have increased the threat of high-intensity conflicts, which is why it's all the more important for Paris not only to boost its own defense capacities but also set an example for the rest of Europe.
Establishment-critical narrative
While military spending is important, Macron needs to be careful not to exhaust public expenditures in one area. As France grapples with mass protests following recent pension reforms, the timing of his announcement is thoughtless and risks fueling the current unrest. There must be a balance between beefing up France's security and supporting the French people amid the tumultuous economic environment; Macron's new budget sorely misses this target.
Metaculus Prediction
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