Gauthier Delomez with AFP 7:54 p.m., March 8, 2023, modified at 8:00 p.m., March 8, 2023

Compulsory universal national service, a subject presented as "inflammable" in society, is it desired by the French?

According to an Ifop poll published Wednesday by the "Sunday Journal", 75% of those questioned said they were in favor of the measure.

The latter also seduces beyond political divisions.

A broad consensus on a subject that is nevertheless said to be "flammable".

According to an exclusive Ifop poll published by the

Sunday Journal

this Wednesday, 75% of those questioned say they are in favor of a compulsory universal national service (SNU), whereas this could become so from the start of the 2024 school year. , this device, divided into two phases, offers teenagers aged 15 to 17 the opportunity to participate in a free 12-day "cohesion stay", including sports, cultural and intellectual activities, with days started by the "lifting of colors " (national flag and anthem) and wearing of uniform.

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As part of this SNU, young people must then take part in a mission of general interest for 84 hours in connection with an army service, an association or an administration.

However, this service has drawn strong criticism both for its cost and its militaristic leanings, and its future outlines remain unclear.

In 2022, 32,000 teenagers took part against the 50,000 expected.

No clear opposition from young people

According to the exclusive

JDD

survey , while 75% of French people say they are in favor of this system, 25% express the opposite opinion.

In detail, all categories of the population appear mostly in favor of the obligation of the SNU for young people aged 15 to 17, analyzes Hugo Lasserre, researcher at Ifop.

The latter reports a high proportion of people aged 65 and over: 81% of them adhere to the compulsory nature.

But they are 68% in the under 35 age group.

This is why we cannot conclude that there is a clear opposition in this age category.

Also, the Ifop survey reveals that all social categories are rather in favor of mandatory SNU: 84% among the well-to-do, 75% among the lower classes and 64% among the poorest strata of the population.

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Finally, the compulsory nature of universal national service goes beyond the right-left divide.

Indeed, the French who support the majority party are in favor of the measure at 90%, while just over eight supporters of the National Rally in ten (81%) support this project.

Also, 69% of people loyal to La France insoumise are in favor of mandatory SNU.

A subject ultimately not so divisive in society.