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French PM François Bayrou recently dismissed the idea of consulting the public on key defense decisions
Thousands of demonstrators rallied in Paris on Saturday to protest French President Emmanuel Macron’s perceived militaristic foreign policy and his perceived lack of interest in pursuing peace in the Ukraine conflict.
The Patriots, led by Florian Philippot, organized the demonstration. The crowd marched from the Place du Palais Royal to the Place Pierre Laroque, chanting slogans and holding signs such as “We don’t want to die for Ukraine,” and “Macron, we don’t want your war.”
Macron proposed on Wednesday that France’s nuclear deterrent be expanded to protect EU nations and urged European NATO members to take greater responsibility for their own defense. He pointed to uncertainty surrounding Washington’s commitment to Ukraine, especially given the strained relations between Kiev and US President Donald Trump’s administration after Vladimir Zelensky refused to negotiate peace with Russia.
Macron has maintained that continued aid to Ukraine is crucial, warning that if Russian President Vladimir Putin succeeds there, he wouldn’t stop – a claim that Moscow has consistently labeled as baseless. Russia has cited NATO’s eastward expansion and the US-led bloc’s promise of eventual membership for Ukraine as key factors behind the conflict.
Many protesters at the Paris rally voiced concerns that Macron was prioritizing military issues over domestic concerns. “When you declare war, it’s to erase all the other failures,” one protester stated. Another accused Macron of pushing for conflict while leaders like Trump and Putin are discussing peace.
Addressing the crowd, Philippot criticized Macron’s approach, asserting that the president “absolutely does not want peace.” Philippot, a former member of the National Front, has been a prominent critic of Macron’s government and EU policies. His party opposes what it sees as unnecessary military interventions and advocates for a more independent French foreign policy.
Macron’s efforts to increase defense spending face obstacles as France deals with a budget deficit and pressure to curb spending. Approval of the 2025 budget has been delayed because of a divided parliament. In January, Budget Minister Amelie de Montchalin announced plans to reduce public spending by €32 billion ($34.6 billion) while increasing taxes by €21 billion.
Critics contend that these measures would place a burden on middle-class families, small business owners, and retirees already struggling with increasing costs. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has dismissed calls for public input on significant defense policies, stating that such decisions are the government’s responsibility. When asked on Friday whether the French people should have a say in increased military spending and a move toward a “war economy,” Bayrou was adamant: “The government’s responsibility is to say, no, we can’t let the country be disarmed. It’s vital.”