March 29, 2024

France: The government is examining compulsory youth service

France

The government is examining compulsory service for young people

The “universal national service” for young people introduced in France in 2019 can become compulsory according to the will of the government.

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In 2022, 32,000 young people will complete National Service.

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  • Conscription in France was suspended in 1997.

  • A program to promote participation “in the life of the nation” has been implemented since 2019.

  • While serving, young men should be introduced to security and defense issues, winning them over for public service or charitable commitments.

  • This can now become mandatory.

The Ministry of Education wants that month service The measure is gradually compulsory for all French people between the ages of 15 and 17, reports French broadcaster France Info. The Elysee Palace wants to make the decision in the spring, as is the case with the president Emmanuel Macron The service created which has been voluntary so far. The goal of the service is to promote youth participation “in the life of the nation”.

Two weeks of service are spent away from the home region in communal accommodation with a tight daily routine and in uniform-like clothing – including in the army. While serving, young men should be introduced to security and defense issues, winning them over for public service or charitable commitments. This is followed by 84 hours of community service at the property. Service can also be extended voluntarily with a three-month stint in the armed forces, police, or fire brigade. In 2022, 32,000 young people will complete National Service.

France suspended conscription in 1997

Criticism of the potential compulsory service came from the French Greens. The EELV party said on Friday that pure military service without the possibility of conscientious objection is emerging. The younger generation’s discontent over environmental and social injustices is met with military discipline. The youth happily refrained from mustering “republican values” on them with military exercise. France suspended conscription in 1997.

The Ministry of Defense on Friday provided insight into the deployment of 27 young men as part of their national service to the prestigious St Cyr Quotequidan Military Academy. The program included sports activities such as obstacle courses and camping in the field with combat rations. She added that this military readiness shows the army’s desire to get closer to the youth and contribute to the development of national cohesion.

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(DPA/sys)View comments