A day after announcing a "historic effort" to rearm France in the face of the threat from Russia, President Emmanuel Macron has showcased his country's military muscle at the July 14th national holiday parade, led by the Seventh Armored Ground Brigade, demonstrating the operational capability of the French army.
More than 7,000 soldiers, dozens of armored vehicles, and 65 warplanes, with the Patrouille de France jets leaving the white, blue, and red trail in the sky, have participated in the military festivities preceded by the recent warlike resonances, including the alert issued by Chief of the General Staff Thierry Burkhard: "War is already in Europe."
"Never since 1945 has the freedom of Europe been so threatened," Macron warned in his July 13th speech, announcing the opening of a "strategic dialogue" with European partners on the role that French nuclear deterrence can play in protecting the continent.
Macron announced a ¤6.5 billion increase in the military budget for the next two years, aiming to reach ¤67.4 billion by 2030 and 3.5% of GDP by 2035. "Let us defend our freedom, and let us defend the armies that defend our freedom," proclaimed the French president, who on Monday paid tribute to the fallen soldiers with the floral tribute that kicked off the day.
Former General Pabrowo Subianto, President of Indonesia, has been his special guest at this year's festivities, with a symbolic participation of 451 Indonesian armed forces personnel, the largest foreign contingent ever invited to the traditional Champs-Élysées parade.
Aboard a specially adapted VLRA military truck for the July 14th celebration, Macron reviewed the troops, accompanied by the military governor of Paris, Loic Mizon, responsible for organizing the parade. The presidential entourage, preceded by the Republican Guard, proceeded to the Place de la Concorde, where Macron was greeted by his wife Brigitte and all the special guests.