Political party AfD advocates for reinstatement of compulsory military service
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has announced plans to introduce a motion in the Bundestag after the parliamentary summer recess, aiming to reinstate compulsory military service. This move, if successful, could mark a significant shift in Germany's defense strategy and national policy.
Rüdiger Lucassen, an AfD defense politician, has been a vocal supporter of this initiative, stating that it is crucial to ensure Germany's defense capabilities in the face of perceived threats from Russia and the geopolitical climate. However, the implications of this proposed motion, if passed, are yet to be determined.
The demand for the reintroduction of conscription has been a topic of debate within the AfD for a significant period of time. The eastern German state associations have been particularly critical of the issue, as they wanted to position the AfD as a "peace party". Björn Höcke, the Thuringian state chairman of the AfD, expressed his opposition to conscription "in the current social climate" on the social network X.
On the other hand, Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD parliamentary group leader in the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament, stated a desire to strengthen the Bundeswehr as a defense army, without fueling conflicts. The motivation for this move, according to a report by "Der Spiegel", is to improve Germany’s defense capabilities.
However, the German government, including coalition parties like the SPD, currently emphasizes boosting voluntary military recruitment before any compulsory draft is legally reconsidered. Opponents within Germany, mainly from governing or centrist parties including SPD, argue against conscription on grounds of individual freedom, the preference for a professional volunteer military, and concerns over the burden placed disproportionately on working-class youth.
The specific details of the motion, including the age group for conscription and the length of service, have not been disclosed. Lucassen acknowledges that the idea of conscription may not be popular among the younger generation. There is no direct indication in the search results that AfD’s motion has progressed significantly or is close to passing.
As the debate continues, it is clear that the reintroduction of conscription is a divisive issue, with the AfD favouring it as a patriotic duty, while opponents raise practical, ethical, and social concerns. The future of this motion remains uncertain, with no definitive legislative progress made as of mid-2025.
The reintroduction of compulsory military service, a contentious topic within the Alternative for Germany (AfD), has been advocated by Rüdiger Lucassen and others as a means to strengthen Germany's defense capabilities in the face of perceived threats. However, the German government, along with coalition parties like the SPD, have emphasized voluntary recruitment over any potential reconsideration of conscription, citing individual freedom and potential social burdens as key concerns.
