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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
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RFI

France's Macron calls for major hike in defence spending, citing Russia threat

France's President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech to army leaders, on the eve of the annual Bastille Day Parade in the French capital, at l'Hotel de Brienne in Paris, France July 13, 2025. © Ludovic Marin / via Reuters

President Emmanuel Macron has called for a massive boost to France's defence spending, saying freedom in Europe was facing a greater threat than at any time since the end of World War II.

"We are living a pivotal moment," Macron said on Sunday in a speech to the armed forces on the eve of the national Bastille Day holiday.

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