Switzerland did not support the introduction of universal civil service in a referendum

During the referendum, Swiss residents did not support the initiative to introduce universal compulsory civil service, which currently applies only to men. This was reported on November 30 by the newspaper Politico.

"After the voting closed at noon on Sunday, about 84% of voters voted against the proposal on conscription," the publication says.

In addition to extending compulsory service to women, the initiative envisaged the inclusion of new types of activities, such as "environmental protection, assistance to vulnerable groups of the population and prevention of natural disasters." When putting forward the relevant initiative, it collected more than 107,000 signatures in support, and was positively assessed by a number of political parties.

They will take up arms: Voluntary military service is being returned to France

Macron called up volunteers at the age of 18-19 to join the army

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on November 27 that a system of voluntary military service will be introduced in France, it will 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.

As Evgeny Zlenko, project manager of the Polylog Group, told Izvestia, 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.

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