Majority of French support idea of France deploying nuclear umbrella - poll

More than half of French people approve of the idea of using France's nuclear weapons to defend European allies. According to a poll conducted by the Elabe Institute for BFMTV, 59% of respondents believe that Paris should take on this role.

Here's What We Know

The French have supported President Emmanuel Macron's initiative to create a "nuclear umbrella" for Europe to deter Russia. The idea is most supported by Macron's supporters (84%), voters of the left (76%) and right (65%) parties. At the same time, the level of support among the far right is much lower - only 39%.

77% of respondents fear that Russia's war against Ukraine could spread to other countries, and 23% believe that France is at risk of being drawn into the conflict.

The publication reports that despite the confidence in the country's military power, only 48% of respondents believe in its ability to independently defend its territory from a Russian attack. And 41% believe that French forces are powerful enough to deter aggression.

We remind you that France is the fourth largest nuclear power in the world after Russia, the United States and China. Its nuclear doctrine is based on the principles of sovereignty and deterrence. As of 2023, the country has about 290 warheads. In addition, the French strategic forces consist of sea and air components, which guarantees the possibility of a retaliatory strike in case of a threat.

Source: BFMTV