A New Caledonian anti-independence candidate in next month's election of a new French National Assembly has called for compulsory military service for those failing at school.
Nicolas Metzdorf is one of two candidates in New Caledonia nominated by a newly formed alliance of four parties, which is an extension of President Emmanuel Macron's Renaissance Party.
He was speaking to local broadcaster La Premiere on the first day of official campaigning for the election on 12 June.
Nicolas Metzdorf Photo:
Mr Metzdorf said if elected, he will approach the new defence minister Sebastien Lecornu with a proposal to create such compulsory training within the military for school dropouts.
He said the military authority is the only one left as others - like family, chiefs, churches, and schools - have abdicated theirs.
Mr Metzdorf said there is a large young population and high unemployment.
He said he would have to work with assembly members from other French territories for such an endeavour.
Mr Metzdorf, who leads the Generations NC Party, is the mayor of La Foa and a member of New Caledonia's Congress.
The other candidate of the anti-independence alliance is Philippe Dunoyer, who is seeking re-election for another five-year term.
17 candidates are standing in New Caledonia's two electorates for the two Paris seats.
Unless a candidate wins an outright majority, the second round of voting will be held on 19 June for those candidates who secured at least 12.5 percent of the votes.
