In the 10-year security agreement with Ukraine, Paris pledged to increase armament deliveries, train troops, and provide up to 3 billion euros ($3.2 billion) in military assistance to Ukraine by 2024. Macron has also taken a more assertive stand against Russia, pressing Ukraine’s friends to act immediately. A few Ukrainian officials told Reuters they were concerned that a vote that was not overwhelmingly in favor of Kyiv would be a negative symbol and could harm President Emmanuel Macron’s efforts to increase his country’s support in the upcoming months. He also did not rule out the possibility of Western troops being stationed in Ukraine, which has caused backlash.
Key provisions of the agreement
In the end, a large majority of lawmakers supported the agreement, casting 372 votes in favor, 99 votes against, and 101 abstentions. But that came after a heated discussion. The National Rally (RN) party had declared it would abstain, while the extreme left France Unbowed (LFI) had declared it would vote against the accord, though the specifics of the vote were not immediately known. In an attempt to portray the far-right and far-left as being soft on Russia ahead of the June European parliamentary elections which surveys have long predicted the RN would win handily in France President Macron has pushed for the vote, according to experts. Premier Gabriel Attal addressed parliament, “To abstain is to flee one’s responsibilities in the face of history.” Before the vote, he said that voting against would support Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Macron has consistently cautioned against dehumanizing Russia, and his recent position has drawn criticism.
Implications for regional security
For Macron turning his party into the be-prepared-for-war party is a risky bet. Popular support in France has declined for both military and financial assistance to Ukraine. Approximately 52% of respondents supported the deployment of French non-combative troops to Ukraine, while 79% were against it. Reiterating his view that the possibility of deploying Western soldiers into Ukraine shouldn’t be ruled out, Emmanuel Macron cautioned Western countries against displaying any signals of weakness to Russia. But the French president acknowledged that it is not necessary given the circumstances. Following the two and a half hour discussion, the leaders of the parties expressed their concerns, with some accusing Macron of using the dispute to strengthen his coalition’s position ahead of the pivotal European elections this summer.
Domestic and international response
Due to Russia’s hardening position, the president last week shocked many in Europe by refusing to rule out the deployment of Western foot soldiers to Ukraine. Macron also asked the friends of Ukraine to stop being “cowards” and help the former Soviet nation repel the Russian invasion. Macron, according to certain party officials, supported a “no limits” strategy against Russian President Vladimir Putin. Marine Tondelier, the head of the Green Party, recalled Macron stating that Putin “obviously has no limits.” She called Macron’s statement to the gathering that “we must show we have no limits” to be “extremely worrying.” The head of the far-right National Rally (RN), Jordan Bardella, stated that he had begged Macron “not to go to war with Russia.” Voting on France’s Ukraine policy, which includes a bilateral security pact negotiated with Kyiv, will take place in the parliament. the lower house of the National Assembly and the upper house of the Senate will have debates and non-binding votes.
Future outlook
Macron also met with President Maia Sandu of Moldova, as tensions between Chisinau and pro-Russian separatists rose, Macron promising France’s “unwavering support” for the former Soviet nation. The two inked a “economic roadmap” and a bilateral defense agreement during the meeting, however no specifics were given. In addition, France was scheduled to organize a video conference with roughly 30 nations, including Ukraine, to discuss ideas that were addressed during Macron’s recent international summit on Ukraine. Macron held a conversation with Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande, his predecessors, at the Elysee Palace , before his meeting with the opposition. Thevenot, a spokesperson for the government, stated that it was “quite obvious” that the RN disagreed with Macron’s insistence that all efforts be made to guarantee Russia’s defeat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, In the European election polls, the RN, which is the biggest opposition party in the lower chamber of the French parliament, leads Macron’s coalition by a significant margin. While the majority of Macron’s European partners have declared that they would not send soldiers to Ukraine, French officials have emphasized that any troops sent there may support demining efforts rather than engage Russian forces head-on.