French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to unveil a new military service aimed at increasing the strength of the French army later this week. According to reports from French media outlets, the new initiative is intended to be voluntary, remunerated, and will last for a duration of 10 months.
In a recent interview, Macron sought to clarify that the plan does not mean sending young French individuals to combat zones such as Ukraine, stating, We really need to, right now, dispel any misconception that we're going to send our young people to Ukraine. That's not at all what this is about. He emphasized that the framework is in response to a 'desire for service' among the youth, as well as to counter what he referred to as a hybrid confrontation posed by Russia.
If we French want to protect ourselves... we must show that we are not weak in the face of one power that threatens us the most, stated Macron. He added the importance of educating citizens on the operations and roles of the armed forces.
Although concrete details surrounding the new military service have not yet been disclosed, Macron is expected to provide further insights during his visit to an army base this Thursday. Preliminary reports suggest the program would offer volunteers monthly compensation ranging between €900 and €1000.
Since conscription was abolished in 1996, France's current national service program, the Service national universel (SNU), includes only a two-week training followed by two weeks of community service, failing to gain substantial traction since its introduction in 2019.
Political reactions to the proposed military service have been mixed. While some express support, such as Raphaël Glucksmann advocating for a more universal service, others push for a mandatory establishment especially amidst rising military tensions across Europe following Russia's recent actions.
Concerns about defense capabilities were amplified by statements from military leaders, warning of the need for France to be prepared to face potential military challenges in the future, making this military service initiative timely amidst a shifting European security landscape.
