Italy may revive conscription, says Salvini

ITALY is considering reinstating compulsory national service for its restless young population, according to its hardline interior minister.

Matteo Salvini, Italy’s deputy prime minister and interior minister, called for a return to military service, saying: “Above and beyond ‘rights’ I would like to see a return to there being ‘duties’.”

Speaking at a rally in Lesina, Puglia, he added: “We are doing well to study the costs, ways and timings for evaluating if, how and when to reintroduce – for a few months – obligatory military and civil service to our boys and girls, so at least they learn a bit of ‘education’ that mum and dad are not capable of teaching them.”

Mr Salvini’s party drafted legislation last year proposing conscription but failed to gain parliamentary support.

France, Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands all suspended or abolished the draft in the Nineties. Sweden and Germany followed suit in 2010 and 2011.

Regional tensions, high youth unemployment and social discontent have triggered renewed interest in national service across Europe. In 2015, Lithuania reintroduced conscription, citing tensions in the Baltic region. Sweden reintroduced it this year for both men and women.

In June, Emmanuel Macron introduced a month-long national service placement for all 16-year-olds, followed by a second optional phase. Last week, Germany’s ruling CDU launched a debate over reintroducing civilian or military national service for young people.