Union intensifies push for mandatory enlistment - wider support evident
The German Government Presses for Reinstating Conscription in Response to Increased Threats
With mounting concerns about the escalating danger from Russia, the Union is urging its coalition partner SPD to make a swift decision on reintroducing conscription. Chief of Staff Thorsten Frei bluntly stated, "We ain't got time to twiddle our thumbs till doomsday." The black-red coalition needs to reach a solid agreement on altering their strategy to meet the widely recognized goal of significantly enlarging the Bundeswehr in response to the unfavorable situation. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius estimates the need for an additional 50,000 to 60,000 soldiers, which would bring the total to around 240,000 soldiers.
Klingbeil Foreshadows Conscription Preparations
To meet the ambitious expansion goals, SPD leader Lars Klingbeil wants to initially keep relying on volunteering and perks like a free driver's license. Yet, he's ready to start preparing for mandatory service. The government must "set the stage now so mandatory conscription could also be an option," said Klingbeil to the Neue Berliner Redaktionsgesellschaft. This includes establishing sufficient conscription offices, barracks, and instructors.
Klingbeil's statements have put him in a difficult position within his own party, as they are set to hold a conference next week. In their coalition agreement, the Union and SPD agreed on a military service that is "initially based on volunteering." SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch has interpreted this to mean that there will be no reintroduction of conscription before the next federal election.
Juso Chairman: "No Solution for the Future"
Juso chairman Philipp Türmer also cites the coalition agreement. "The SPD remains steadfast on volunteering. Preparing for a draft is hence inappropriate," he told Spiegel. Conscription is "an antiquated solution from the past and not a viable option for the future." It unduly interferes with young people's lives, but its effectiveness is questionable.
Pistorius Demands Increase to up to 240,000 Soldiers
The targeted size of the Bundeswehr is currently 203,000 soldiers; however, even this hasn't been achieved through voluntary recruitment. According to Pistorius' requirements, the force must grow to 230,000 to 240,000 soldiers.
Frei finds it hard to fathom that this can be achieved through volunteers alone. First, a decision must be made on when the new target size should be reached, said the Chief of Staff. "And then, we've got to ask ourselves: How much time can we spare to achieve this objective voluntarily? In my humble opinion, we've barely got time for that, considering the ominous threat situation."
Majority of Germans Support Reinstating Conscription
A survey by YouGov on behalf of dpa shows that nearly 54% of Germans back the idea of reinstating compulsory military service for both men and women. While only 35% of young adults aged 18 to 29 support conscription, two-thirds of those aged 70 or older are in its favor.
Opposition to Conscription is Most Prevalent Among Left Party Voters
While a majority of voters of all other party representatives in the Bundestag support reintroducing conscription, 69% of Left party voters are in favor of maintaining voluntary military service. In contrast, among CDU and CSU voters, it is 68%, and among SPD voters, it is 64%. Among AfD supporters, 55% are in favor, and among Green voters, it is 51%.
Sören Pellmann Criticizes the Potential Return to Conscription
Left party parliamentary group leader Sören Pellmann criticized the Union and SPD's plans, asserting that they come at the expense of the younger generation. "The youth will bear the lasting consequences of this further militarization of society," he told dpa. "Thus, they rightly reject the return to conscription by a significant margin."
[1] Bundeswehr planning for possible return to conscription, say sources, Reuters, 2025[2] Germany's defense minister calls for strong military, encourages conscription, DW, 2025[3] Pistorius' plan to increase Bundeswehr by 60,000 soldiers, Real-Politik, 2025
- What would be the implications of Germany's policy-and-legislation regarding reinstating conscription for war-and-conflicts and politics, given the increased threats from Russia?
- With 54% of Germans supporting the reintroduction of conscription, what is the general-news perspective on the current debate over military service in Germany, and how does it differ among various political groups?
