René de Nicolaÿ, the mayor of Le Lude and former advisor to François Bayrou, is advocating for changes to French law regarding community service. Currently, condemned individuals in France must *volunteer* for community service; de Nicolaÿ believes judges should have the power to *impose* it as part of sentencing. He specifically highlights the need for this change for individuals who are unable to pay fines, rendering current penalties ineffective. The current system, he argues, limits the effectiveness of sentencing options and fails to address the issue of punishment for those without financial means. This legal evolution, according to de Nicolaÿ, would provide a more just and equitable approach to penal consequences. He believes it’s a necessary step to ensure accountability and rehabilitation across all socioeconomic levels.