Germany Erupts in Youth Protests: Tens of Thousands Rally in 90 Cities Against Mandatory Military Service

Germany is witnessing one of its largest youth mobilizations in recent years, as tens of thousands of young people in 90 cities took to the streets on Friday to protest the newly approved military service law. The legislation, passed by parliament, requires all 18-year-old men to complete a mandatory questionnaire as part of a revived conscription system — a move that has sparked widespread anger among students.

Skipping classes and gathering in city centers, protesters chanted “No to mandatory military service,” arguing that such an obligation should never be imposed on anyone.

📌 The initiative behind the demonstrations — “Schulstreik gegen Wehrpflicht” (School Strike Against Conscription) — issued a statement on its website:“Politicians and the Bundeswehr are discussing how to bring back conscription. But nobody is talking to us. Nobody is asking what we want.”

📌 German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who has become a central target of the protests, addressed young people in a video message:“Everyone has the right to protest for or against anything. Freedom of expression is one of our democracy’s great achievements. But democracy — and the state — cannot defend themselves. People must do that, just as they did in the past.”

📌 Under the new law, compulsory military medical examinations will resume for men born in 2008 and later. Crucially, if the Bundeswehr fails to meet its voluntary recruitment targets, some of those examined could be drafted — but only after a separate parliamentary vote.This clause has become one of the main triggers behind the protests.

As Germany’s youth fill the streets, the country is bracing for turbulent days ahead.

Source: Sputnik