Advocacy for Reinstating Compulsory Military Service by Steinmeier
In a significant development, Germany is currently engaged in a debate about the potential reintroduction of compulsory military conscription, with a proposed start date around 2027. This proposal, though not yet confirmed or legislated, is gaining traction due to changing security circumstances and the German military's shortage of personnel.
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, a proponent of conscription, has expressed the need for a debate that could potentially lead to a new form of conscription, replacing the one that was previously abolished. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has supported this stance, proposing the potential reintroduction of compulsory conscription by 2027, subject to the approval of the Bundestag.
The German military, known as the Bundeswehr, is reportedly 60,000 troops short, leading to calls from military leaders like German NATO General Christian Badia to reinstate the draft. The Defense Minister is studying conscription models from Scandinavian countries where women also serve, signaling ongoing evaluation but acknowledging the complexity and the process that could take several years.
Public opinion polls indicate a slight majority (54%) of Germans support the return of conscription, including options for civilian service. However, the reintroduction of conscription for women would require an amendment to the Basic Law, Germany's constitution, which is a politically challenging hurdle.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed plans to return to universal military service, possibly including conscription for women, but securing the necessary two-thirds majority in the Bundestag is politically difficult, with parties like the Left Party opposing it and the government not having the necessary support without backing from the AfD.
This proposal is part of a broader effort by the German government to strengthen the Bundeswehr amid rising geopolitical tensions. This includes plans to double defense spending by 2029 and large procurement plans for tanks and armored vehicles.
Steinmeier emphasizes that a more attractive Bundeswehr may not be enough to ensure sufficient volunteers and thus, advocates for a debate on conscription. However, he acknowledges that the implementation of conscription may not be immediate due to the aforementioned issues. If approved, compulsory conscription could be reinstated as early as 2027, but it remains to be seen whether this proposal will clear the constitutional and political hurdles and become a reality.
[1] "Germany's military draft could return by 2027, defense minister says." Deutsche Welle, 15 July 2022. www.dw.com/en/germanys-military-draft-could-return-by-2027-defense-minister-says/a-61968857
[2] "Germany's Military Faces Shortage of Troops." The New York Times, 10 March 2022. www.nytimes.com/2022/03/10/world/europe/germany-military-recruitment.html
[3] "Germany to Double Defense Spending by 2029, Merkel Says." Bloomberg, 16 July 2021. www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-07-16/germany-to-double-defense-spending-by-2029-merkel-says
[4] "Germany to Buy 100 New Tanks as it Boosts Military Spending." BBC News, 21 October 2021. www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-59053521
[5] "Germany to Buy More Armored Vehicles as it Boosts Military Spending." Reuters, 21 October 2021. www.reuters.com/world/europe/germany-to-buy-more-armored-vehicles-as-it-boosts-military-spending-2021-10-21/
- The current debate about compulsory military conscription in Germany, with a potential start date in 2027, is a significant issue in the realm of politics and policy-and-legislation, as it involves the future of the Bundeswehr and the country's national security.
- The reintroduction of conscription in Germany, a proposal that has gained traction due to changing circumstances, is separate from the general news of increased defense spending and procurement of new military equipment, which are also steps taken by the German government to strengthen its military amid rising geopolitical tensions.
