French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a voluntary military service program as part of Europe’s broader militarization efforts. The plan allows for a ten-month service with compensation, aiming to bolster France’s military in response to Russia’s alleged threat.
The proposal was first floated by the French leader in July in response to what he described as a “lasting threat” from Russia – something Moscow has dismissed as nonsense.
The newspaper reported the plan is for a ten-month voluntary service option with compensation, without providing further details on how it would differ from current military service. France suspended conscription in 1997 under then President Jacques Chirac, opting for a fully professional, all-volunteer force.
“In a world of uncertainty and rising tensions… France must continue to be a strong nation with a strong army,” Macron said on Saturday on the sidelines of the G20 summit in South Africa.
Up to 50,000 people could eventually pass through the program each year, Le Figaro wrote, citing government sources.
France’s effort to expand its armed forces follows similar moves by other EU states since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022.