France is grappling with a critical debate over balancing military and social spending.

As Europe faces heightened security challenges, including the war in Ukraine and reduced U.

S. involvement in NATO, President Emmanuel Macron has called for increased defense investments, aiming to raise military spending to 3.5% of GDP.

However, this push has sparked concerns about potential cuts to social programs, which currently account for a third of the nation's GDP.

While some argue that reallocating funds from social welfare to defense is necessary for national security, others warn against undermining the social safety net.

Macron insists on finding a balance, emphasizing that defense spending should not come at the expense of social cohesion.

The debate underscores the urgency of reshaping France's economic model to sustain both security and solidarity.