How France’s Political Crisis Puts Military Spending at Risk

Here’s a rewritten version of the article:

“The military is concerned, which is understandable—everyone is in a bit of a wait-and-see phase,” said Hélène Conway-Mouret, a Socialist senator who helped co-author a report on France’s 2025 defense budget during an interview with POLITICO.

“We must ensure that the political consensus seen in 2024 to boost defense spending remains intact,” she explained. However, Conway-Mouret noted, “even with the €3.3 billion funding increase, the seven-year military planning law still falls short of being ambitious enough.”

This year, France is on track to meet NATO’s target of allocating 2 percent of its GDP to defense spending. However, the budget was set to continue its upward trajectory as the nation works to modernize its military infrastructure amid intensifying global tensions.

French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu recently cautioned that an inadequate defense budget could lead to postponed orders for a next-generation aircraft carrier and halt the recruitment of 700 personnel, including experts in critical fields such as cyber and AI. | Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images

French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu issued a warning earlier this month about the potential consequences of an incomplete defense budget. He said it could delay the procurement of a next-generation aircraft carrier and pause the hiring of 700 personnel, which includes roles in vital areas like cyber defense and artificial intelligence.

Planned military acquisitions for next year include a frigate, mine-sweeping equipment, upgraded light armored vehicles, and a significant stock of missiles.

Meanwhile, officials within the armed forces ministry have privately acknowledged that delays are expected, pending parliamentary approval of the proposed €3.3 billion budget increase.


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