Almost 30 years after France scrapped conscription, French President Emmanuel Macron said he would not go back on that decision, but added: "We need mobilization." "France cannot remain idle," Macron said. He believed French youth had a "thirst for engagement", saying there was a young generation "ready to stand up" for their nation. Under the new military service, men and women, mostly aged 18 and 19, could volunteer to sign up for ten months. They would be paid a minimum of 800 Euros per month and receive food and accommodation, as well as a 75% discount on rail travel. They would be deployed "only on national soil", Macron said. A minority with specific qualifications, for example in engineering or medical skills, could be aged up to 25.

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