Student protests in Hamburg: Against the return to compulsory military service!

Student protests in Hamburg: Against the return to compulsory military service!

On December 5, 2025, the Bundestag passed a law reintroducing a new military service, which sparked strong reactions across the country. This comes from a report by NDR out. From Hamburg to Munich, youth and student organizations are calling for strike events to protest against the regulations of the new military service.

In Hamburg in particular, numerous students took to the streets today. Groups such as the Junge GEW, the ver.di youth and the AStA at the University of Hamburg have called for participation. After the first two school hours, the students should flock to Hachmannplatz to start a big demonstration there. The events are not only open to students, parents and other interested parties are also warmly invited to express their dissatisfaction with the new law.

The background to the protest

The new law stipulates that from January 1, 2026, all 18-year-old men must fill out muster questionnaires and appear for muster. It is precisely this regulation, which provides for a muster for all young people born in 2008 and younger, that is causing massive resistance. Young people fear they could end up as "cannon fodder", while teachers' associations warn of the legal consequences of unexcused absences from school. According to a report by tagesschau.de Demonstrations under the motto “School strike against conscription” are planned in around 90 cities nationwide today.

In Hamburg, the event will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a feeder demonstration by students at Von Melle Park under the motto “Students against compulsory military service”. In the afternoon there will be further protests on Stephansplatz, organized by the youth organizations of the DGB and ver.di. The Hamburg police expect around 1,500 participants. While the Left supported the protests, the Hamburg CDU expressed sharp criticism of the uprisings and described military service as “no alternative,” while the Greens and the SPD advocate compulsory military service and voluntary military service.

The financial aspects and future plans

An important point in the discussion is the financial impact of the new military service. Loud swp.de 495 million euros are planned for military service in the coming year alone, with rising costs until 2029. In addition, it is planned that the Bundeswehr will grow to up to 270,000 active soldiers and 200,000 reservists by 2035. If there is a shortage of soldiers, compulsory military service could even be considered.

For many young people, the new military service comes as a shock, especially when it involves disrupting their education and career plans. Letters to parents are circulating on social networks calling for children not to be sent to school in order to demonstrate against the new regulations. The argument is that the money would be better invested in education and climate protection rather than in military spending.

The school authorities in Hamburg have already pointed out that students who take part in the demonstrations will be absent without excuse and that missed tests will be given zero points. For many, today's school strike poses a lot of risks, which makes the courage of those involved all the more admirable.