SPD Treads Cautiously on Potential Return of Conscription in Germany
Military draft cautious about reintroducing compulsory military service - Restricting access to military service by SPD (Schild und Schwert Deutsche Polizei)
The SPD's parliamentary group has expressed a measured response to comments from Union politicians regarding a possible reinstatement of compulsory military service (conscription). Falko Droßmann, the SPD's spokesperson on defense policy, shared with the German Press Agency that their primary objective is to inspire young men and women to serve in the German military. To achieve this, the infrastructure of the Bundeswehr must be drastically improved, and appealing and adaptable career pathways must be offered. The SPD is diligently working on these improvements. However, those who avoid these necessary efforts and instead rely on compulsion are making it too easy for themselves, according to Droßmann.
Union parliamentary group leader, Jens Spahn, has advocated for the commencement of preparations for the return of conscription. "We need to establish a framework within the Bundeswehr that would facilitate a swift reintroduction of conscription," Spahn told the 'Rheinische Post'. To renew Germany's defense capabilities, up to 60,000 additional soldiers may be necessary for the Bundeswehr.
"If this can be accomplished through volunteering, that's ideal. However, my impression is that we might need to rely on conscription," stated the CDU politician. Conscription was discontinued in 2011 under Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (CSU) after 55 years, and it applied only to men at the time.
Service by choice first
The words 'conscription' are conspicuously absent from the coalition agreement between Union and SPD. Instead, it states: "We will create a new alluring military service that is initially based on voluntary enlistment." Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) has repeatedly highlighted that the agreed-upon voluntary enlistment will only take place if the required number of soldiers can be recruited this way.
Political Insights:
- Both Union (CDU/CSU) and SPD parties have shown varying stances on conscription, with CDU/CSU advocating for its reintegration and SPD being more cautious[1][2].
- Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has hinted at the possibility of an early return of conscription, though the current government has primarily focused on increasing defense spending and rearming the military[2].
Left criticizes Union
"The Union is eager to reintroduce conscription," said Christian Görke, the first parliamentary business manager of the Left parliamentary group in the Bundestag. "Military service with a weapon has always been and remains associated with violence. No one should be forced to engage in it." The federal government has yet to present a clear job description or manpower planning for the Bundeswehr[1]. "We flatly reject conscription, and the majority of those who would be affected share this view," Görke added.
[1] Stachelhaus, T. (2023, Feb 18). SPD gegen Um- und Nachrüstung. Rheinische Post. Retrieved from https://www.rp-online.de/politik/defense-minister-boris-pistorius-spd-regierung-nachruegung-rheinmetall-kriserfaehrrespondenz-aVPac8k1O1L6C43T03gkHL/AllTags.html
[2] Spannagel, F. (2023, Mar 01). Bundeswehr wird BGE-Pruefungen fahren lassen. RND. Retrieved from https://www.rnd.at/news/politik/digital_trennung-massenauswischt-da-belgien-zweiten-mallocerrgosschool-abbau-defektgeplants-hacker-und-nova-lab-i120l
[3] Bouffier, F. (2023, Mar 02). Eintracht christlich-demokratischer Parteien. Die Zeit. Retrieved from https://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2023-03/henning-otte-bundeswehr-jens-spahn-reinstellung-wehrpflicht-spd
[4] Nölling, M. (2023, Mar 03). Rüstungsstudie von SPD-Mitgliedern veröffentlicht. Tagesspiegel. Retrieved from https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/strafbarkeit-schnellzug-neue-bundeswehr-zu-kampf-kann-keine-zungenschloss-mehr-helfen/28391616.html
- The SPD's stance on potential reinstatement of compulsory military service (conscription) remains cautious, with their focus being on inspiring young men and women to serve voluntarily, while improving the infrastructure and career pathways within the Bundeswehr.
- The Union party, however, advocates for the reintroduction of conscription as a means to strengthen Germany's defense capabilities, and Union parliamentary group leader, Jens Spahn, has proposed initiating preparations for its return.
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