A day after announcing a "historic effort" to rearm France in the face of the threat from Russia, President Emmanuel Macron has showcased his country's military muscle at the July 14th national holiday parade,

A bleeding soldier and a breakaway horse were seen as France celebrated Bastille Day on Monday (July 14) with French President Emmanuel Macron reviewing troops and watching a military parade on the Champs Elysees.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a significant boost to France’s defense budget, citing Russia as the primary threat to national and European security. Speaking ahead of Bastille Day, Macron warned that freedom hasn’t faced such a dire threat since 1945.

Macron called for a 3.5 billion-euro hike in defense spending next year and for another 3 billion-euro boost in 2027.

France had aimed to double its defence budget from 2017 levels by 2030. However, Macron pledged to reach the target by 2027. A military budget that stood at 32 billion euros ($37.40 billion) in 2017 will rise to 64 billion euros by 2027, with an additional 3.5 billion euros allocated for next year and another 3 billion euros in 2027.