Now Reading: Return of compulsory military and civilian service in Italy proposed
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Return of compulsory military and civilian service in Italy proposed
Regional councilor Roberto Bet pushes motion in Veneto: "It's a growth opportunity for all youth".
The regional councilor of the Lega-Liga Veneta group, Roberto Bet, has submitted a motion to the Regional Council of Veneto with the aim of supporting a law that would introduce the compulsory military and civilian service for all Italian citizens between 18 and 26 years of age. The initiative, officially endorsed by the party during the recent Lega congress in Florence, seeks to provide a concrete response to current social, economic and geopolitical challenges.
Six months of mandatory service: between discipline and social commitment
The bill provides for a six-month serviceThe program, preferably in the region of residence, can be developed in military or civilian format. In the latter case, young people could be integrated in key areas such as civil protection, defense of cultural and environmental heritage, and public relief.
"In a global context marked by conflicts, climate emergencies and digital threats, it is essential that young people are prepared. This service represents a formative experience to develop a sense of responsibility, belonging and useful skills for the future," said Bet.
Against youth isolation and the NEET phenomenon
One of the central axes of the proposal is to fight against the growing youth unrest. According to recent data, one in four young Italians between 18 and 25 years of age feels isolated, and the country has one of the highest rates of isolation in the world. NEET (young people who are not studying, working or training), with 23% in the 15-24 age group. "The law seeks to offer an educational and structured alternative to curb phenomena such as criminality, drug use and youth unemployment," stressed the counselor.
Leveraging local resources and reducing costs
Bet also stressed that the initiative would not involve a large public expenditure by taking advantage of the resources already available in the territory. "The Veneto has associations such as the Alpini, Civil Protection and sports or volunteer organizations that could play a central role in this training. In addition, items from the military budget could be redirected to this purpose," he said.
The business world, on the other hand, could also benefit from having more disciplined and prepared young people, something that, according to Bet, would contribute to increase GDP and improve youth employability.
Broad social support in Veneto
Recent polls in the region show strong citizen support for the proposal, and the Lega pledges to push for the law's passage before the end of the term. "We want to give our youth a better future, more secure and more prepared for the challenges ahead. This is one of the most effective measures to achieve this," concluded Councilor Bet, reiterating the party's commitment during the upcoming Adunata of the Alpini in Biella.
