Ex-Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer Pushes for Reinstatement of Military Draft
Mandate compulsory military service again, advocates ex-Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer
In a surprising turn, former German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer (77) has advocated for bringing back compulsory military service. Concerned about the slim ranks of the Bundeswehr, Fischer insists that it's time to reintroduce the draft.
At a Glance
- Fischer advocates for mandatory military service return.
- He underlines the necessity of inclusion and equality in national defense.
- Military leaders call for swift implementation of the draft.
- NATO plans its largest military surge since the Cold War era.
- Fischer admits his past rejection of compulsory service as a regrettable mistake.
Background
Mandatory military service, or Wehrpflicht, was slashed in 2011, effectively putting an end to both military and civilian service. With the escalating security situation post-Ukraine invasion by Russia, the Union and SPD are looking to introduce a new, initially voluntary military service model.
Fischer, however, argues that this approach falls short: "For us to deter, we simply can't do it without conscription." The ex-vice-chancellor also stresses the significance of gender parity: "If we believe in equality, then women should be an integral part of this system too."
André Wüstner, chairman of the Military Association, echoes Fischer's urgency: "It would be foolhardy not to start preparing for conscription now," he told dpa.
Last week, NATO defense ministers agreed on the biggest military push since the Cold War, potentially adding up to 60,000 additional soldiers to Germany's ranks.
Reflecting on his past convictions, Fischer sees himself as having made a "clear" mistake by opposing compulsory military service. "We must defend ourselves. In critical moments, we must also fight," he stated.
Fischer was Federal Foreign Minister and Vice-Chancellor in the red-green government led by Chancellor Gerhard Schröder (SPD) from 1998 to 2005.
Additional Reading on the Bundeswehr
- German naval vessel embarks on first NATO mission
- Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea: German Eurofighters respond
- Pistorius: Bundeswehr in need of up to 60,000 additional active soldiers
Additional Findings
- Introducing the Draft: Fischer's call for compulsory military service comes in response to the Bundeswehr's shrinking force, but it also reflects an attempt to develop a stronger deterrent against potential hostilities, especially against Russia[1][2].
- Gender Equality: Fischer emphasizes the need for gender parity in the military, arguing that women should be part of any mandatory service system[1][2].
- Historical Perspective: With Fischer's shift in stance, he seems to acknowledge that his earlier views were misguided in light of the current geopolitical climate[1][2].
- Four decades ago, compulsory military service for women was abolished in Germany[3]. If Fischer's call is heeded, this decision could be reversed.
- Opposition to Fischer's proposal may arise due to concerns about the impact of increased militarization on certain segments of German society[4]. Regardless, Fischer's advocacy underscores the growing consideration being given to Germany's military capabilities in response to changing international security dynamics.
[1] NATO's expanding military buildup and its potential implications for potential tensions with Russia.[2] Fischer's changes in stance on conscription in response to security concerns due to Russia's aggression.[3] A look at the historical gender dynamics of compulsory military service in Germany and its abolition for women.[4] The potential impact of increased military presence on various domestic segments of German society, stirring opposition or concern.
- Following the call by former German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, there have been discussions surrounding policy-and-legislation regarding the reinstatement of mandatory military service, known as Wehrpflicht, as a response to the recent security situation and the need for a stronger deterrent against potential hostilities, particularly war-and-conflicts with Russia.
- In addition to this, politics surrounding policy-and-legislation are also considering gender equality in the proposed mandatory service, with Fischer insisting that women should be an integral part of any national defense system, reflecting a shift from his earlier convictions and a move toward inclusion in policy-and-legislation related to general-news topics.
