Among the subjects being debated as the French presidential race heats up ahead of the 2012 polls are the important topics of defence and national identity.
Two right-wing politicians, Jean-François Copé and Hervé Mariton of the UMP (Union pour le Mouvement Populaire), have suggested the creation of an ‘allégeance aux armes’, a pledge to be made by all new citizens – both immigrants naturalising and natives turning 18 years of age – to defend the country in any potential war.
The proposal has faced little criticism from mainstream political parties, but some dissenting voices can be heard.
Emmanuel Valls, a left-wing politician, seems sceptical towards this idea. “I agree with an idea of commitment,” he said, “but this commitment should concern our values, our republic, and not arms.”
Jean-Marc Ayrault, president of the Socialist Party group in the French National Assembly, is more severe. “The UMP doesn’t trust French republican values,” he said. “All rights and duties are already written in the Declaration (of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen).”
Several politicians believe the proposal could pave the way for more right-wings ideas, and lead to a gain in votes for the likes of Marine Le Pen – daughter of far-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen.
Meanwhile, the majority have issues about the formulation of the law, if not the proposal itself.
“It is a good idea, but we should work about the nomination of the project,” said Defence Minister Gérard Longuet. Left-wing politician François Hollande added that “fidelity to France should be marked at moments not necessarily linked to arms. What we should ask of young citizens is a civic commitment and loyalty towards principles such as solidarity or justice.”
Luc Chatel explained on French radio that the proposal as is was not in France’s best interests, but the idea of a ceremony to confirm French values could be accepted.
This proposal – as well as 29 others formulated by the UMP – must be debated before any decision can be made, and will be modified if accepted. Nevertheless, it brings pause about what it means to be a French citizen nowadays.
