Paris: France's Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced Monday that both chambers of parliament will hold a vote on 'strengthening the armed forces' as part of ongoing talks on the 2026 state budget. Speaking at a press conference at the Prime Minister's Office, Lecornu reviewed the latest stage of parliamentary debates on the budget bill, emphasizing that national security remains his foremost concern.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lecornu stated that in the coming days, the National Assembly and the Senate will be asked to vote on France's defense policy and on measures aimed at reinforcing the military. He highlighted the importance of the vote following the National Assembly's recent rejection of the revenue component of the 2026 budget bill. Lecornu noted, 'Some parties, some presidential election candidates, essentially believe that compromise does not align with their electoral strategies.'

Lecornu urged lawmakers to approach the budget process with seriousness, declaring, 'The National Assembly is not a theater, and the budget is not a stage backdrop.' Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron is expected to unveil a new voluntary scheme for the armed forces in the coming days, as reported by the French national news broadcaster BFM TV.

Although the details have not been finalized, the scenarios under consideration include recruiting 10,000 young volunteers by 2030 and 50,000 by 2035. This initiative is part of France's broader efforts to bolster its defense capabilities, following the end of conscription in 1996 when then-President Jacques Chirac transitioned the country to a fully professional army.