Macron is reforming the army. Voluntary service to appeal to the young

French President Emmanuel Macron plans to introduce a reform of voluntary military service. This is not a return to compulsory military service, but a strengthening of the existing Service National Universel programme.

The aim, he says, is to better prepare France for new threats related to the uncertain US stance under US President Donald Trump and Russia's aggressive policies. By 2030, Paris wants to increase the number of reservists from the current 47 thousand to 100 thousand.

Macron's move is an attempt to align himself with countries such as Germany and Denmark, which have already launched similar initiatives.

He unveiled the plan during a visit to the mountain brigade in Varces, where he also stressed the high support for the armed forces among young French people.

General Fabien Mandon's harsh words about the need to prepare for possible casualties in the face of Russian aggression also resonate in the background. These caused a stir, but Macron toned them down, stressing that France has no plans to send young people to Ukraine.

(reuters, swag)