Hollande says boosted reserve force could form 'National Guard'

SAINT-ASTIER: French President Francois Hollande said Wednesday that a call to boost reserve forces had paved the way to a "National Guard."

Between current reservists, and the call for more volunteers, "we can say that France, with you, is forming a National Guard," Hollande said.

French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve made the appeal for volunteers to boost security forces as France reels from its third major Islamist attack in the past 18 months.

The government has faced tough questions over its ability to protect the population after Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel ploughed his truck through a crowd of Bastille Day revellers in the city of Nice, killing 84.

France's reserve force comprises civilian volunteers in the police, army and paramilitary police, who can be deployed for specific missions.