Francois Bayrou has rejected calls for a referendum on military decisions, arguing that defense policy is the government’s responsibility
French Prime Minister Franсois Bayrou has rejected the idea of consulting the public on critical defense decisions, asserting that such matters fall under government responsibility.
In an interview on CNews and Europe 1, journalist Sonia Mabrouk asked Bayrou whether the French people should have a say in major defense policies, including the financial burden of increased military spending and the shift towards a “war economy.”
“Maybe it’s time to consult the French? It’s really the right of the people to dispose of themselves,” she suggested.
Bayrou dismissed the idea. “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 responded. He argued that allowing public votes on defense matters would be akin to France abandoning its responsibility to protect itself.
Bayrou emphasized that the French Constitution restricts referendums to economic, social, or institutional matters, excluding military and defense issues. “We consult the French, it’s the Constitution. But a referendum can only take place on very specific economic, social, or institutional issues,” he stated.
His stance aligns with recent government efforts to bolster national defense. On Friday, Bayrou and Finance Minister Eric Lombard announced that France is considering launching a national loan to fund increased defense spending. The move comes as EU nations are seeking to strengthen their military capabilities, particularly in response to the US halting military aid to Ukraine and questioning its NATO commitments. Lombard mentioned the possibility of a national defense loan, which Bayrou acknowledged as an option, though no final decision has been made.
French President Emmanuel Macron recently committed to higher defense spending but did not specify the amount and ruled out tax hikes. The initiative, however, faces challenges due to France’s budget deficit and pressure to control expenditures, highlighted by the delayed approval of the 2025 budget in the divided parliament. In January, French Budget Minister Amelie de Montchalin announced plans to cut public spending by €32 billion (approximately $34.6 billion) and increase taxes by €21 billion.
Critics argue that these fiscal measures will strain middle-class families, small business owners, and retirees already struggling with rising costs. Many fear military funding could further burden taxpayers. When asked how the increased spending would be financed, Bayrou did not provide a clear answer. “We will define [the funding] together. And we must be calm during this period,” he said.
Despite the concerns, Bayrou insisted that the government alone must make defense policy decisions. “The government’s responsibility is to say, no, we can’t let the country be disarmed. It’s vital,” he stated.
