Paris, March 9, 2025 – The Europe Today: French Prime Minister François Bayrou has firmly rejected calls for a public referendum on defense policies, stating that such matters fall exclusively under the government’s responsibility.
In an interview with CNews and Europe 1, journalist Sonia Mabrouk questioned whether the French public should have a voice in key defense decisions, particularly in light of rising 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,” Mabrouk suggested.
Bayrou dismissed the notion, arguing that such a move would compromise national security and sovereignty. “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.
Defense Policy Beyond Public Referendums
Bayrou emphasized that France’s Constitution does not permit referendums on military and defense issues, restricting them only to economic, social, or institutional matters.
“We consult the French—it’s in the Constitution. But a referendum can only take place on very specific economic, social, or institutional issues,” he explained.
His comments align with the government’s broader efforts to strengthen national defense amid growing geopolitical tensions.
France Considers National Loan for Defense Spending
On Friday, Bayrou and Finance Minister Eric Lombard revealed that France is considering a national loan to fund increased defense spending, as European nations look to bolster their military capabilities. This follows the U.S. decision to halt military aid to Ukraine and growing doubts over Washington’s NATO commitments.
French President Emmanuel Macron has already pledged higher defense spending, though he ruled out tax hikes. However, the initiative faces significant budgetary challenges, including a €32 billion ($34.6 billion) cut in public spending and €21 billion in tax increases, announced by French Budget Minister Amélie de Montchalin in January.
The final decision on the national defense loan remains pending, but Bayrou’s firm stance highlights the government’s determination to maintain control over defense strategy without public intervention.
