France's 'Universal National Service' plan unveiled
Scheme intended to 'promote a sense of civic duty and national unity among French youth' will come into effect from 2019
A form of 'national service' for France's 750,000 16 year olds is set to take effect from the middle of 2019.
The Service national universel (SNU) was a campaign promise of President Emmanuel Macron and is intended to "promote a sense of civic duty and national unity among French youth" and will include mandatory and voluntary phases.
The outline of a much watered-down and less costly plan from Mr Macron's original vision was presented by Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanqueton at a ministerial meeting on Wednesday.
Read more: ‘Citizen course’ may replace Macron’s national service
From next year, 16 year olds in France will have to complete a one-month placement with a focus on civic culture, such as teaching or working with charity. It could also include a stint with police, fire service or army.
A second voluntary phase would last between three months and one year, and involve work in an area linked to defence and security, while volunteer work linked to heritage, the environment or social care would also be accepted.
Despite a YouGov poll showing about 60% of the population are in favour of the plan, there has been criticism from all sides of the political spectrum.
