“In a deteriorating geostrategic context”, the Senate dominated by the right wants to accelerate the rate of spending of the Armed Forces budget, staying within the global budget estimated by the Government at 413,000 million euros in seven years.
The senators approved the military programming law (LPM) in commission on Wednesday with 171 amendments to “substantially enrich the text and correct its defects.” Voted to a large extent by the National Assembly, it will be examined in the first reading in the Senate chamber from June 27.
Christian Cambon hailed “the great effort” made by France, with an LPM 40% higher than before, but pointed out “grey areas”. The major modification made in the committee is the smoothing according to a more regular progression of the budget trajectory until 2030, which responds to a request also expressed by the LR deputies.
Back to delivery delays
The senators have planned a budget increase of 3,500 million euros in 2024 (compared to the 3.1 expected), then 3,600 million each year (instead of 3,000 million until 2027 and 4.3 from 2028, that is, after the end of the five-year period).
In particular, the acceleration should make it possible to reverse delays in the delivery of equipment, in particular armored vehicles. “Anything that wears out quickly won’t get eaten up by inflation,” Mr Cambon said. Of the global endowment, 30,000 million must be allocated to cover inflation.
Christian Cambon anticipates “tough” discussions with the government on this point. The senators also worked to “consolidate” the defense industry. They propose the constitution on January 1, 2024 of a “sovereignty savings account”, exempt from taxes and social security contributions, intended to finance defense companies.
They have strengthened the role of Parliament in controlling updates to the LPM or even in the delivery of equipment.
The executive expects final adoption before July 14.
Source: BFM TV
