French PM Says No Public Input on Crucial Defense Decisions
Francois Bayrou has dismissed demands for a referendum concerning military decisions, stating that it is the government's duty to handle defense policy. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Francois Bayrou has dismissed suggestions for a public referendum on military decisions, maintaining that defense policy is a matter for the government.
In a recent interview on CNews and Europe 1, journalist Sonia Mabrouk questioned Bayrou about whether the French populace should have input on significant defense policies, such as the financial implications of increased military spending and the transition to a “war economy.” She posed the idea, saying, “Maybe it’s time to consult the French? It’s really the right of the people to dispose of themselves.”
Bayrou refuted her proposal, responding, “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 contended that allowing public votes on defense issues would mean France neglecting its duty to ensure its own protection.
The French Prime Minister also highlighted that the Constitution limits referendums to economic, social, or institutional topics, explicitly excluding military and defense matters. “We consult the French, it’s the Constitution. But a referendum can only take place on very specific economic, social, or institutional issues,” he clarified.
Bayrou's position is in line with the government’s recent initiatives to strengthen national defense. On Friday, he and Finance Minister Eric Lombard unveiled plans for a potential national loan aimed at funding an increase in defense expenditure. This development aligns with efforts by EU nations to enhance their military capabilities, especially considering the US's cessation of military aid to Ukraine and its reevaluation of NATO commitments. Lombard noted the possibility of a national defense loan, which Bayrou acknowledged as a viable option, although no final decisions have yet been made.
Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to boost defense spending but did not provide specific figures and ruled out tax increases. However, challenges persist due to France's budget deficit and pressures to manage spending, as illustrated by the delayed approval of the 2025 budget in the divided parliament. In January, French Budget Minister Amelie de Montchalin announced intentions to slash public spending by €32 billion and raise taxes by €21 billion.
Critics argue that such fiscal policies will place additional burdens on middle-class families, small business owners, and retirees who are already facing rising costs. There is worry that increased military funding could add to the financial strain on taxpayers. When asked how the heightened spending would be financed, Bayrou refrained from giving a definitive answer, saying, “We will define [the funding] together. And we must be calm during this period.”
Despite these concerns, Bayrou insisted that the responsibility for defense policy rests with the government alone. “The government’s responsibility is to say, no, we can’t let the country be disarmed. It’s vital,” he emphasized.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
In a recent interview on CNews and Europe 1, journalist Sonia Mabrouk questioned Bayrou about whether the French populace should have input on significant defense policies, such as the financial implications of increased military spending and the transition to a “war economy.” She posed the idea, saying, “Maybe it’s time to consult the French? It’s really the right of the people to dispose of themselves.”
Bayrou refuted her proposal, responding, “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 contended that allowing public votes on defense issues would mean France neglecting its duty to ensure its own protection.
The French Prime Minister also highlighted that the Constitution limits referendums to economic, social, or institutional topics, explicitly excluding military and defense matters. “We consult the French, it’s the Constitution. But a referendum can only take place on very specific economic, social, or institutional issues,” he clarified.
Bayrou's position is in line with the government’s recent initiatives to strengthen national defense. On Friday, he and Finance Minister Eric Lombard unveiled plans for a potential national loan aimed at funding an increase in defense expenditure. This development aligns with efforts by EU nations to enhance their military capabilities, especially considering the US's cessation of military aid to Ukraine and its reevaluation of NATO commitments. Lombard noted the possibility of a national defense loan, which Bayrou acknowledged as a viable option, although no final decisions have yet been made.
Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to boost defense spending but did not provide specific figures and ruled out tax increases. However, challenges persist due to France's budget deficit and pressures to manage spending, as illustrated by the delayed approval of the 2025 budget in the divided parliament. In January, French Budget Minister Amelie de Montchalin announced intentions to slash public spending by €32 billion and raise taxes by €21 billion.
Critics argue that such fiscal policies will place additional burdens on middle-class families, small business owners, and retirees who are already facing rising costs. There is worry that increased military funding could add to the financial strain on taxpayers. When asked how the heightened spending would be financed, Bayrou refrained from giving a definitive answer, saying, “We will define [the funding] together. And we must be calm during this period.”
Despite these concerns, Bayrou insisted that the responsibility for defense policy rests with the government alone. “The government’s responsibility is to say, no, we can’t let the country be disarmed. It’s vital,” he emphasized.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
