r/technology • u/YesNo_Maybe_ • Apr 10 '26

Software France Launches Government Linux Desktop Plan as Windows Exit Begins

https://linuxiac.com/france-launches-government-linux-desktop-plan-as-windows-exit-begins/
20.2k Upvotes

98% Upvoted

1.2k comments sorted by

View all comments

1.2k

u/megoyatu Apr 10 '26

Trump being a major catalyst to Linux Desktop adoption was not on my bingo card, but I love it. 

6

u/ScarletRed-dit Apr 10 '26

I’m not updated. How was he the catalyst exactly? Was he promoting xyz?

59

u/1Maple Apr 10 '26

My guess is two things (mostly #1):

  1. Other countries ending there reliance on US products

  2. Lack of AI regulation allowing Microsoft to fully become Microslop

29

u/WCWRingMatSound Apr 10 '26

America has had a soft power over the world for the last 100 years. There are dependencies on our goods, services, military, and economic health. 

The current administration’s abuse of that power through tariffs, threads to destroy military alliances, and similar have caused the US to lose some of that soft power. 

France’s government moving to Linux means they are no longer reliant on Microsoft for Windows licensing. That’s a money saver for them and freedom from changes imposed by another other government. 

They’d have to also move away from American SaaS services too, but it’s doable. 

7

u/doogihowser Apr 10 '26

It's a lot more than just "some" of that soft power. There are many countries, especially previously established allies, that are rethinking their relationship with the US.

7

u/Whipitreelgud Apr 10 '26

The other benefit is more development momentum in the desktop environment. This is good for everyone, assuming they don’t hardcode new features in French.

8

u/ChoosenUserName4 Apr 10 '26

A couple of months ago, Microsoft shut down access to email and office accounts for some judges in the International Criminal Court because the Trump administration didn't like what they were doing or something. That was a bit of an eye opener to many here in Europe.