French National Assembly approves additional defense budget of 36 billion euros

(Central News Agency reporter Zeng Yixuan's special report from Paris on the 20th) In response to changes in the international situation, the French National Assembly voted to increase the defense budget by an additional 36 billion euros (approximately NT$1.3 trillion). Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin said today: "To win a war, you have to plan ahead."

According to the 2024-2030 military planning law promulgated in 2023, the French defense budget totals approximately 410 billion euros.

The National Assembly yesterday preliminarily approved the amendment with a vote of 440 in favor and 122 against, which is to increase the military's budget by 36 billion euros by 2030 to respond to the new international situation. The case must still be sent to the Senate for consideration in June.

"To earn respect, you have to be feared. To be feared, you have to be well trained and equipped," Waterland told French news channel franceinfo.

She said that the law passed in 2023 is scheduled to be updated in 2027, and "our military budget will double in 10 years."

She pointed out that "we must upgrade our equipment." In ammunition alone, the country has invested an additional 8 billion euros, and will also invest more budget in fighter aircraft and tanks, but "France's position is defense."

Sweden recently decided to purchase four frigates from the French Naval Group (Naval Group). Waterland praised this as "a wonderful victory for the French team" and "an excellent example of European cooperation."

As for the preference of many European countries to purchase American F-35 fighter jets instead of French Rafale fighter jets, Waterland said that France continues to improve the competitiveness of Rafale and strives to make progress in Europe.

France is actively improving its defense capabilities amid changes in the international situation such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its threat to European countries, the war in the Middle East, and the United States' threat to withdraw from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

French President Emmanuel Macron declared in March this year that "in the face of multiple threats, we must strengthen nuclear deterrence." He ordered an increase in the number of French nuclear warheads and no longer released nuclear arsenal data. Later in the same month, he announced that the new aircraft carrier under construction would be named "France libre" and is expected to replace the active "Charles de Gaulle" in 2038. (Editor: Tian Ruihua) 1150520