France, Macron to announce introduction of voluntary military conscription
In a world 'made of uncertainties', against the backdrop of a war on Europe's doorstep, Emmanuel Macron may announce in the coming days the establishment of a voluntary military service in France, a project that has been under consideration for several months. The date of Thursday 27 November is speculated for the presidential announcements, without official confirmation, according to concordant sources."In the world in which we live, made up of uncertainties and an increase in tensions, if we want to be truly secure, we must dissuade the other from coming (...) France must continue to be a strong nation with a strong army, but also with a capacity for collective reaction," said the Elysée Palace tenant yesterday, on the sidelines of the G20 in Johannesburg, in South Africa. While Scandinavian or Baltic countries, close to Russia, have maintained or reintroduced compulsory military service in recent years, France suspended conscription in 1997, under President Jacques Chirac."Many neighbours in Europe are reintroducing a national service," observed the chief of staff of the armed forces, General Fabien Mandon, also on France 5 yesterday, emphasising that these are "elements to be observed in our country as well".Emmanuel Macron had introduced the idea of voluntary service on 13 July before an audience of senior officers. Faced with a Europe 'endangered' by Russia's 'enduring threat', 'we need a nation capable of resisting, of being mobilised', he had stressed. In addition to 'efforts on our reserve', it is also necessary 'to offer young people a new framework to serve, in different ways, within our armed forces', he emphasised, promising 'decisions to this effect in the autumn'.Questioned by France Presse, the Ministry of Defence would not comment on the details of this service and its duration, as well as its cost. There is 'work in progress in this regard', simply indicated Alice Rufo, minister delegated to the Armed Forces, on Sunday on France Info.
