AssetID: 55299043
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Macron Launches New Voluntary Youth Military Service Amid Rising Global Threats
Caption: Macron Launches New Voluntary Youth Military Service Amid Rising Global Threats. President Emmanuel Macron unveils a voluntary military service program for 18- and 19-year-olds, set to begin by mid-2026 as France responds to “accelerating threats.” The initiative reflects a wider European shift as nations grow uneasy over President Trump’s changing security priorities and Russia’s increasingly aggressive posture. Speaking at the 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade in the Alps, Macron says France “cannot remain idle” and must match the defence efforts of its European partners. The paid 10-month program will begin with 3,000 participants in 2026, rising to 10,000 by 2030 and an ambition of 50,000 by 2035 depending on evolving threats. Macron emphasises this is not a return to conscription, calling Jacques Chirac’s 1996 decision to end mandatory national service “correct.” Participants may later move into civilian life, join the reserves or remain in the armed forces; France aims to double its reservists to 100,000 by 2030. The programme’s launch comes after controversy sparked by General Fabien Mandon, who warned France must prepare for potential casualties in future conflicts. Macron downplays Mandon’s comments, stressing France is not preparing to send young people to Ukraine despite rising tensions with Russia. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,Emmanuel Macron,voluntary military service,France,accelerating threats,youth program,reservists,Fabien Mandon,president,Donald Trump,Russia,war,EU
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