Debate Over Mandatory Military Service in Germany

The discussion over reintroducing compulsory military service has divided the German government.

Plans to bring back conscription have descended into chaos after a last-minute disagreement between the ruling coalition parties.

A compromise proposal that included mandatory service was rejected.

Berlin is rushing to increase defense spending and personnel following NATO warnings that Western allies must be prepared for a potential Russian attack within the next four years.

Germany aims to expand its armed forces from 183,000 active soldiers to 260,000 by 2035, with an additional 200,000 reservists.

Under the proposed plan, 18-year-olds will be asked to fill out an online survey about their background and willingness to serve for at least six months. The survey will be mandatory for men, but optional for women.

The coalition government—comprising Merz’s conservative CDU/CSU and the center-left SPD—had initially agreed in principle to reintroduce military service on a “voluntary basis,” with the possibility of a draft lottery if voluntary numbers prove insufficient.

However, within the SPD, there remains strong resistance to any form of compulsory service, even if party leadership agrees with the CDU/CSU.

Germany abolished conscription in 2011. Before that, young men could either serve in the military or, as conscientious objectors, choose to work in the social service sector instead.

Source: BBC News