National civic service

National civic service - Nearly two decades after France phased out conscription for men, some 2,000 teenagers on Sunday began a pilot programme for a new national civic service, a project of French President Emmanuel Macron. For a fortnight, the 15- and 16-year-olds will leave home for training in first aid and other basic skills, followed later by another two weeks of volunteering. Macron caused surprise on the campaign trail in 2017 by promising to introduce a month-long compulsory national service, saying he wanted to give girls and boys "a direct experience of military life".

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A highly critical report into the operation of border facilities for migrants in Menton has been released today. Inspectors carried out an unannounced... Evening Update Wednesday 6 November 2025 Read More

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French and Riviera News Thursday 6th November 2025

A 35-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday after deliberately driving into pedestrians and cyclists on the island of Oléron, off France’s western coa... French and Riviera News Thursday 6th November 2025 Read More

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Evening Update Wednesday 5 November 2025

Five people have been injured, two of them seriously, after a man deliberately drove into pedestrians this morning in the Charente-Maritime department... Evening Update Wednesday 5 November 2025 Read More

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French and Riviera News Wednesday 5th November 2025

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Evening Update Tuesday 4 November2025

The driver of a vehicle involved in a serious accident in Cannes has been charged and detained in police custody. The accident happened on Boulevard C... Evening Update Tuesday 4 November2025 Read More

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