On March 2, 2025, Macron delivered a speech at the Brest nuclear submarine base. This was an opportunity for the government to reaffirm its military nuclear program, in a context of increasing societal militarization. ---- At the start of each new term, it is customary for the President to give a speech outlining France's strategic direction regarding nuclear policy. Since the presidentialization of power by De Gaulle was largely based on military nuclear issues, Macron's speech at the Brest submarine base on March 2nd will serve as official doctrine until the next term. The speech highlighted four key ideas: strategic support for nuclear deterrence, a deepening of dialogue with other European states, an increase in France's nuclear warheads, and an end to French transparency regarding their exact number.
To understand these announcements, it is essential to keep the current context in mind. First, the return of conventional warfare to Europe. In addition to prompting European states to re-examine their military policies, the war in Ukraine provided Russia with an opportunity to issue numerous threats regarding the use of nuclear weapons. These threats concerned so-called "tactical" weapons[1], and in reality, Russian policy on nuclear deterrence remained relatively stable. This did not prevent European states from becoming concerned, especially since, at the same time, the United States was gradually disengaging from Europe and no longer seemed to be the reliable ally that most European states had hoped for.
Macron can therefore hope to position France as a leading nuclear power in Europe. Indeed, apart from France, only the United Kingdom possesses nuclear weapons, but in somewhat smaller quantities and launchable only by submarine. To reinforce his diplomatic strategy, Macron chose to flex his muscles. First, by following the same path as Russia and the United States, abandoning non-proliferation policies and international transparency. And second, through "strategic support." Behind this military jargon lies the use of non-nuclear military forces for deterrence, particularly in the event of a rapid conflict without nuclear weapons in a limited territory. In concrete terms, this means strengthening the French presence in countries on the eastern border of the European Union.
This nuclear policy is linked to France's civilian nuclear policy. Additional funding will bolster the EPR2 program, which plans the construction of six reactors in the French nuclear fleet. Thus, instead of financing the construction of social housing, savings accounts will be used to fund a program that will only be profitable through the export of this nuclear technology. And so what if France currently has to rely on Russia to import its enriched uranium[2]? It has to get its supplies from somewhere, especially since Niger refuses to have its resources plundered...
Nuclear power is therefore a highly political issue. Particularly linked to the presidential authoritarianism of the Fifth Republic, it is a way to export the model and thus strengthen France's position in the European diplomatic landscape. This stance is the result of institutions but also of choices: a race towards militarism and an assertion of French power rather than adherence to international law.
Corentin (UCL Finistère)
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[1]A euphemism used to refer to weapons less devastating than strategic nuclear weapons; France is one of the few powers that does not possess them.
[2]In 2023, the figure was 54%; the ore comes in particular from Kazakhstan, where France has subsidiaries. To transport it to France, Kazakhstan's uranium transits through Russia.
https://www.unioncommunistelibertaire.org/?Militarisation-Macron-et-sa-diplomatie-nucleaire
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Source: A-infos-en@ainfos.ca
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