French president to forge defence roadmap amid Ukraine crisis, avoiding tax increases

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to convene a crucial meeting to discuss France's defence strategy and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

In a bid to enhance France's military preparedness without burdening citizens with higher taxes, Macron will instruct Prime Minister Francois Bayrou to find alternative funding sources for defence investment, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Macron's heightened focus on defence comes after a series of meetings with foreign leaders and military chiefs, culminating in a session with Bayrou and several key ministers. The president's aim is to create a comprehensive roadmap that addresses both strategic and budgetary needs for France's armed forces, while leaving the government to determine how to implement these plans.

Sources close to Macron highlighted the president’s role as the head of France’s armed forces, stressing that it is his responsibility to define operational and financial requirements. "He will explain what the operational and financial needs are, determine what and how much, while the government must determine the 'how,'" said an aide to the president.

Macron's strategy is designed to reinforce France's military capabilities amid growing security concerns, particularly due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. By outlining a clear framework for defence investment and avoiding tax hikes, the French president is seeking to balance military readiness with fiscal responsibility.

Last week, President Macron emphasized the need for increased investment in defence while assuring the public that taxes would not be raised. Earlier, French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou mentioned that the government is exploring the idea of creating a new type of state-regulated deposit, allowing French citizens to contribute their savings to finance the country’s defence industry.

By Vafa Guliyeva