Today's Date:

Military Program Bill of Law (PDF)

It is the government's duty to ensure the continuity of France's defense policy. This duty takes on greater importance in face of the threats to the security of the French people. It demands a greater effort from us in favour of our military system.
In order to be able to ensure the security of our citizens and uphold our international commitments when they are in danger in France and outside our borders; in order to re-establish an incontestable operational credibility; to raise our forces to the equipment and training levels of the most modern armed forces; to meet the legitimate expectations of men and women motivated by service to the nation and having all the required competence of a professional army, a new effort has become necessary.

The bill presented to you here reflects the determination of the President of the Republic, and of the Government, to give France a defense that matches both its requirements and its international ambitions, a defence that meets the threats of which the permanence, the seriousness and the sometimes unpredictable character are recalled to us by this anniversary date of September 11th, and a defense that contributes to the construction of European defense.
This bill, subject to approval by Parliament, gives the entire defense community the means to fulfil its mission. It is the just measure of the confidence the country places in this community.

Michèle Alliot-Marie, Minister of Defense

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