French PM Asserts No Public Input on Crucial Defense Choices
Francois Bayrou has dismissed the demand for a referendum concerning military decisions, asserting that defense policy falls under the government's jurisdiction. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Francois Bayrou has rejected calls for a referendum on military decisions, arguing that defense policy is the government’s responsibility.
In a recent interview with CNews and Europe 1, journalist Sonia Mabrouk inquired whether the French populace should have input on significant defense policies, such as the financial implications of increased military spending and the transition towards a “war economy.” She suggested, “Maybe it’s time to consult the French? It’s really the right of the people to dispose of themselves.”
Bayrou dismissed this notion, asserting, “Yes, what you suggest is the right of the people not to dispose of themselves, or to no longer dispose of themselves, to give up on their freedom.” He maintained that permitting public votes on defense matters would essentially mean that France was neglecting its duty to ensure its own protection.
He further emphasized that the French Constitution limits referendums to economic, social, or institutional issues, explicitly excluding military and defense topics. “We consult the French, it’s the Constitution. But a referendum can only take place on very specific economic, social, or institutional issues,” he stated.
Bayrou's position corresponds with the government's recent initiatives to strengthen national defense. On Friday, he and Finance Minister Eric Lombard revealed that France is contemplating a national loan to support heightened defense spending. This consideration is part of a broader effort among EU nations to enhance military capabilities, especially in light of the US's decision to halt military aid to Ukraine and its uncertainty regarding NATO commitments. Lombard indicated the potential for a national defense loan, which Bayrou acknowledged as a possibility but clarified that no final decision has been reached.
Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to increase defense spending without specifying an exact figure and ruled out tax increases. This initiative faces obstacles, however, due to France’s budget deficit and the need to manage spending, as evidenced by the delayed approval of the 2025 budget in the divided parliament. Earlier this year, French Budget Minister Amelie de Montchalin announced plans to reduce public spending by €32 billion and increase taxes by €21 billion.
Critics argue that these fiscal strategies may place additional strain on middle-class families, small business owners, and retirees who are already grappling with rising costs. There are concerns that boosting military funding could further burden taxpayers. When pressed on how the increased spending would be financed, Bayrou did not offer a definitive response. “We will define [the funding] together. And we must be calm during this period,” he stated.
Despite the concerns raised, Bayrou remained firm that defense policy decisions must rest solely with the government. “The government’s responsibility is to say, no, we can’t let the country be disarmed. It’s vital,” he emphasized.
Navid Kalantari contributed to this report for TROIB News
In a recent interview with CNews and Europe 1, journalist Sonia Mabrouk inquired whether the French populace should have input on significant defense policies, such as the financial implications of increased military spending and the transition towards a “war economy.” She suggested, “Maybe it’s time to consult the French? It’s really the right of the people to dispose of themselves.”
Bayrou dismissed this notion, asserting, “Yes, what you suggest is the right of the people not to dispose of themselves, or to no longer dispose of themselves, to give up on their freedom.” He maintained that permitting public votes on defense matters would essentially mean that France was neglecting its duty to ensure its own protection.
He further emphasized that the French Constitution limits referendums to economic, social, or institutional issues, explicitly excluding military and defense topics. “We consult the French, it’s the Constitution. But a referendum can only take place on very specific economic, social, or institutional issues,” he stated.
Bayrou's position corresponds with the government's recent initiatives to strengthen national defense. On Friday, he and Finance Minister Eric Lombard revealed that France is contemplating a national loan to support heightened defense spending. This consideration is part of a broader effort among EU nations to enhance military capabilities, especially in light of the US's decision to halt military aid to Ukraine and its uncertainty regarding NATO commitments. Lombard indicated the potential for a national defense loan, which Bayrou acknowledged as a possibility but clarified that no final decision has been reached.
Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to increase defense spending without specifying an exact figure and ruled out tax increases. This initiative faces obstacles, however, due to France’s budget deficit and the need to manage spending, as evidenced by the delayed approval of the 2025 budget in the divided parliament. Earlier this year, French Budget Minister Amelie de Montchalin announced plans to reduce public spending by €32 billion and increase taxes by €21 billion.
Critics argue that these fiscal strategies may place additional strain on middle-class families, small business owners, and retirees who are already grappling with rising costs. There are concerns that boosting military funding could further burden taxpayers. When pressed on how the increased spending would be financed, Bayrou did not offer a definitive response. “We will define [the funding] together. And we must be calm during this period,” he stated.
Despite the concerns raised, Bayrou remained firm that defense policy decisions must rest solely with the government. “The government’s responsibility is to say, no, we can’t let the country be disarmed. It’s vital,” he emphasized.
Navid Kalantari contributed to this report for TROIB News
