Public security/ Compulsory national service

Some 80 percent of the French population want a return to compulsory national service in the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks, and see it as a useful tool for giving alienated youngsters “Republican values”.

An IFOP poll for regional daily Ouest France on Sunday showed that 81 percent of men and 79 percent of women supported some kind of service, be it civilian or military, for young men and women.

According to IFOP, the figure is much higher than polls in recent years, which have averaged 60 percent. The polling agency links this spike directly to the national mood following this month’s terrorist attacks.

Poll says 80% of French want a return to national service