French President Emmanuel Macron is leading efforts to increase France's defense spending from 2% to 3.5% of GDP amid rising tensions with Russia and the US. This plan faces political divisions and economic challenges, as France aims to reduce its budget deficit. Public support for increased defense spending is high, with 68% of voters in favor. However, political parties are divided on the approach, with some advocating for corporate taxes and others concerned about benefiting the US defense industry.