In the field of security and defense, the goal will be to renew the concept of defense and security forces to better adapt them to current and future challenges. Regarding internal security forces, their doctrine and mission must be redefined so that they no longer inspire fear among peaceful, law-abiding citizens, but instead make people feel safe and become allies, particularly in the fight against crime. Special emphasis must be placed on training and equipping these security forces in judicial policing, forensic science, economic investigations, and maintaining public order.
We must move away from the repressive culture inherited from the 1960s toward a culture of protection and assistance to citizens. The appropriate component of these security forces must also be at the forefront of economic intelligence, which is a decisive battleground in the context of a globalized economy.
As for defense forces, it will be necessary to clearly define a national defense doctrine that combines the option of a professional army with the concept of popular defense. It is important to restore the national army to its historic and republican mission of defending the nation against external threats and avoid using it for law enforcement operations, except in cases of insurrection.
A substantial effort must be made so that, progressively, the Tables of Organization and Equipment (TOE) are respected within our forces to guarantee operational effectiveness. The human resources of the defense forces—whose quality is well known and who enjoy patriotic credibility—must be put at the service of national development, particularly in industries that supply equipment to these forces, as well as in health and civil engineering. For this, they must be provided with sufficient resources.
In peacetime, the effectiveness of our army must be measured by its contribution to national development. Our army must be the showcase of good governance and the exemplary functioning of our institutions. While remaining under executive control, it must also be effectively placed under legislative oversight.
The army must be the crucible of national unity and a model of discipline, rigor in managing financial resources, equipment, and especially careers. The women and men who have the privilege of serving this central institution must, at all times and in all places, be examples for our society.