‘Citizen course’ may replace Macron’s national service

It was one of Emmanuel Macron’s presidential campaign pledges - but compulsory military service for 18-year-olds could be transformed into a series of week-long ‘citizens courses’ under plans being considered by MPs.

In the run-up to May’s election, Mr Macron pledged to introduce compulsory and universal military service of a month for all 18-year-olds. Now, however, MPs are considering replacing it with a series of three week-long educational courses for students in collège (ages 10 to 16). One of the factors for the rethink is the amount of money the month-long national service would cost.

Under the plans, the first course would be devoted to defence and security, safety lessons, rights and responsibilities. The second week would promote social skills and 'fraternal values’; while the third - similar to current requirements for students in troisieme - would see students spend a week working with the elderly or homeless.

Those students who go through the three-stage citizens’ course will be presented with a ‘citizen passport’. They can choose to take additional courses after 16, if they so wish - and, on passing, could be entitled to certain privileges, such as simplified application and lower costs for a driving licence.