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Military service dispute: SPD for voluntary, Union demands compulsory!
The dispute over military service between the CDU/CSU and the SPD is a focus of discussion. Chancellor Merz supports a compulsory year, while Pistorius relies on voluntary. Changes planned from 2026.
Military service dispute: SPD for voluntary, Union demands compulsory!
There is currently a heated debate in Germany about the future of military service. The discussion between the Union and the SPD could hardly be more different. While the SPD relies on voluntary action, the Union calls for a return to duty. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has clearly spoken out in favor of a generally compulsory social year. However, in the last Bundestag debate on Defense Minister Boris Pistorius' bill, there was a shift that was criticized by the Union. Loud az online Inspector General Carsten Breuer suggests that the integration of young soldiers should ideally take place from May 1, 2026.
The situation is tense: While Breuer reports a 19% increase in the recruitment of volunteers compared to the previous year, the SPD general secretary Tim Klüssendorf remains convinced that the new military service will remain voluntary. At this point, CSU boss Markus Söder criticizes the vague demands for compulsory military service and pushes for clear regulations for the Bundeswehr.
Defense Minister Pistorius' plan
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has approved a new military service law that will come into force in 2026. The aim is to strengthen the Bundeswehr after compulsory military service has been suspended for over 14 years. The Bundeswehr currently has around 182,000 soldiers, with a planned increase to at least 260,000 by 2035 daily news.
A central part of the plan is to send an online questionnaire to all young men and women from their 18th birthday. Men are required to fill out this form, while women do so voluntarily. Suitable candidates are invited to the muster, but there is no obligation to do military service, which raises questions for many.
The critical voices and the goal of the Bundeswehr
Critics such as CDU politician Norbert Röttgen criticize the measures and demand specific target figures. Katharina Dröge from the Greens also sees the law as a declaration of no trust in young people and is planning to reject it. In addition, the reservists' association and the Bundeswehr Association are critical of Pistorius' plans ZDF reported.
In the event of a situation of tension or defense, conscription could be activated automatically. Men between the ages of 18 and 60 could then be drafted if necessary, provided they do not refuse military service. The Bundeswehr has set recruiting goals that require a comprehensive increase and fulfillment of NATO requirements of around 460,000 soldiers.
An incentive system is intended to increase the attractiveness of military service. High basic salaries, free accommodation and meals as well as financial support for additional qualifications are planned. A subsidy for a car driving license of up to 3,500 euros is also offered to motivate young people.
The discussion about military service certainly remains a central issue in German politics. While the reforms of the black-red coalition are in jeopardy, it remains to be seen whether it will be possible to recruit enough soldiers for the Bundeswehr to meet security requirements.