Macron says France’s nuclear weapons should be part of European defense debate

In an interview with the French newspaper Le Figaro, French President Emmanuel Macron proposes that Europe should develop a joint defense system, including nuclear weapons

France’s nuclear weapons should be part of the European defense debate, French President Emmanuel Macron told a group of regional newspapers on Sunday, in comments that drew fire from his political opponents ahead of EU elections in June.

In an interview set up by EBRA, a group of French eastern regional newspapers, he said a “credible European defense” should go beyond the protection already offered by NATO.

“That may mean deploying anti-missile shields, but we need to be sure that they block all missiles and deter the use of nuclear weapons,” he said.

Regarding nuclear weapons, while France’s doctrine has so far been to use them when the country’s vital interests are threatened, Macron said he was open to giving a more “European dimension” to these interests.

“I’m in favor of opening this debate, which must therefore include missile defense, long-range weapons, and nuclear weapons for those who have them or who have American nuclear weapons on their soil,” he said.

On Sunday, his comments drew criticism from opponents on the right and the left of the political spectrum.

“Macron is becoming a national danger!,” far-right European lawmaker Thierry Mariani wrote on social media platform X.

Those at the other end of the political spectrum were equally angry at Macron’s comments.

“The nuclear deterrent cannot be shared,” said far-left French lawmaker Bastien Lachaud on X.

“Under the guise of defending European soil, Macron wants to liquidate France’s strategic autonomy.”

Source: Reuters