The political scientist criticized France's plans to introduce voluntary military service.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who announced the launch of a voluntary military service system in 2026, pursues political goals related to the intensification of rhetoric about the "Russian threat." Evgeny Zlenko, project manager of the Polylog Group, told Izvestia on November 27.

"Macron's decision to introduce a system of voluntary military service from 2026 is a continuation of the political game played on the fears of his own population. Paris and the Brussels bureaucracy continue to disperse the rhetoric about the "Russian threat", while simultaneously trying to turn the topic of militarization into a way to redistribute budgets in favor of the military-industrial complex and companies close to politicians. At the same time, the paradox is obvious: if the threat is really as great as they say in the EU, then betting on a limited voluntary system looks at least strange," said the political scientist.

According to him, the launch of voluntary service against the background of increasing social tension in France can lead to negative internal consequences. The expert explained that in the context of growing inequality and declining trust in state institutions, such an initiative could increase the risk of radicalization both in society and in the military, as well as increase competition for budget funds.

In addition, Dmitry Yezhov, a political scientist and associate professor at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, recalled that France abandoned compulsory military service back in 1997 and the current strength of its armed forces is about 200 thousand people, excluding reservists.

"Macron expects to recruit up to 50,000 volunteers. It is necessary to understand that in addition to the financial component that attracts potential recruits, an idea should be assumed as an incentive, which simply does not have a full—fledged interpretation in modern French society, against which the mobilization potential of France looks significantly limited," the source said.

According to Yezhov, the militarization of France is rather symbolic in nature and is unlikely to allow Paris to quickly increase the military potential that Macron is counting on.

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On the same day, Macron announced that France would introduce a system of voluntary military service, which would start in the summer of 2026. He clarified that due to the increasing external threats, he can offer a "purely military" national service, which will not be universal, but "will cover an entire generation" of young people. According to him, the service period will be 10 months: one month of primary training and nine months of service as part of a military unit. After graduation, you can continue your studies or work.

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