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VIDEO: Confined French cheer medical workers from windows and balconies

People all over France took to their windows on Wednesday evening to show their respect for the country's health workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic on the frontline.

Published: 18 March 2020 20:32 CET
VIDEO: Confined French cheer medical workers from windows and balconies
Parisians applaud healthcare employees from their balcony at 8pm, in Paris on March 18, 2020, on the second day of a strict lockdown in France to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Photo: AFP

On Wednesday evening, people in France – confined to their apartments for the second day in a row – leaned out their windows and applauded the country's health workers who were battling to save people infected with the novel coronavirus, COVID-10.

 

By now, window clapping had become somewhat of a tradition that had spread to several European countries struggling to stem the spread of the coronavirus. 

But it was the first time it had really happened in France.

 

Like in every country feeling the toll of the coronavirus, French health workers have been working extremely long hours over the past weeks.

 

French people had been confined to their flats since noon on Tuesday, when the government's lockdown entered into effect.

 

Paris, Rennes, Marseille and Cannes – all over France people showed their gratitude to the country's health workers.

 

The applause came as the coronavirus death toll had risen by 89 in just 24 hours, reaching a total of 264 people.

 

The same night, France's national health director called on everyone who could to give blood and donate masks to the hospitals, to help with the increasing pressure on their already overworked staff.

One Parisian emergency physician posted a thank you-note on Twitter:

“A big thank you, your messages are moving. Help us by staying at home and taking care of yourselves.”

 

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LIVING IN FRANCE

What is France’s ‘citizen service’ and who has to do it?

Although France no longer has compulsory military service, there is still a requirement for a 'citizen service' known as the JDC - and for most younger people this is compulsory, including young foreigners who take French citizenship.

Published: 24 May 2024 17:11 CEST
What is France's 'citizen service' and who has to do it?

France scrapped compulsory military service in 1997 so its teenagers are no longer required to do 10 months of square-bashing, boot polishing and cross country runs.

They are, however, required to do the Journée défense et citoyenneté (JDC) in most cases – although this at least has the benefit of being just a single day.

What is it? 

The JDC is basically a one-day course or learning exercise about your rights and responsibilities as a citizen of France.

You will receive teaching on three main areas;

  • The general issues and objectives of national defence, and on the different forms of commitment required from citizens. This part of the course is usually taught by members of the French military
  • Civics lessons – similar to those given in French schools – based on the Charte des droits et devoirs du citoyen français (Charter of rights and duties of French citizens)
  • Information on equality between men and women, on the fight against sexist prejudice and on the fight against physical, psychological or sexual violence committed within the couple

You will also be given a brief test on your knowledge of the French language. This is for everyone, not just foreigners, and language learners can feel comforted by the fact that plenty of native French people also struggle with the intricacies of their language.

You do not have to pass any kind of exam on the contents of the citizenship course – more on the curriculum here.

The course usually lasts seven and a half hours – basically a standard working day.

Who has to do it?

There are two things that young people in France must do – the recensement citoyen (citizen census) and then, in most cases, the JDC.

The recensement citoyen is compulsory for;

  • Any French citizens who are turning 16 – they must complete the registration within three months of their 16th birthday.
  • Anyone who gains French nationality between the ages of 16 and 25 – they must sign up within a month of getting their citizenship.

It is not required for people older than 25 who gain French citizenship, neither is it required for non-French citizens – even if they are long-term residents in France.

People who fail to complete the recensement citoyen when required cannot be inscribed onto the electoral rolls (and therefore cannot vote), while the certificate of completion is also usually required to enrol for French public exams or administrative exams (eg professional qualifications).

Once you have completed the census, you will then receive notice for the one-day citizenship course (JDC). This is compulsory for most people, although there are exceptions for people who have a disability or a long-term illness.

How do you do it?

First off, the recensement citoyen can be done either online or in person, if you choose the online option it is done at the local mairie.

It’s a relatively simple sign-up process and then you receive the attestation de recensement, which will be required for registering for exams. Once you have completed this, you will automatically be added to the electoral roll once you reach the age of 18.

Once this is completed, you will then receive a convocation (summons) to your one-day JDC. The letter will provide details of how and where to do the course, as well as the options to appeal if you believe you are exempt on the grounds of illness or disability.

It also gives you an autorisation d’absence exceptionnelle – authorisation of absence, which you present to your employer if you are working or an apprentice. They are then legally obliged to give you the day off to attend.

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