French president Francois Hollande formalises the establishment of a National Guard

France: France President Francois Hollande has officially announced the formation of a National Guard, with the purpose of safe guarding the French people. In a statement, president Hollande office said a “defence council” will be held early August to fashion out the force’s hierarchy and command structure.

In September, Parliamentary consultations will follow hoping that “this force can be formed as soon as possible to protect the French people”.

The announcement come after series of attacks y Islamic State group followers in France in the last few weeks bringing the government under fierce criticism for alleged security lapses.

Calls for the establishment of the National Guard arose following the November 13 jihadist massacre in Paris that claimed 130 lives.

President Hollande said he hopes the guard, made up of volunteers from the police, paramilitary police and military, become operational by the beginning of autumn.

France has not had a national guard since 1872.