German Chancellor Merz Advocates for Compulsory Service Amidst Defense Debates

Chancellor Merz Calls for General Compulsory Service

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly advocated for the reintroduction of a general compulsory year of service in Germany, suggesting that a purely voluntary system may prove insufficient in the long term. Merz, who leads the current governing coalition, has indicated that this service could encompass both military and community roles. His statements come amidst ongoing discussions regarding the future strength and readiness of the Bundeswehr, Germany's armed forces.

Merz has described the 2011 suspension of conscription as a 'mistake from today's perspective,' emphasizing the need for a much higher personnel strength in the armed forces and a stronger reserve. He has also suggested that, in the long term, such a compulsory service could potentially include women, though this would necessitate amendments to the German constitution.

Background and Current Defense Landscape

Compulsory military service for men in Germany was suspended on July 1, 2011, marking the end of a tradition that had been in place since 1957. While the constitution retains the legal framework for reintroducing conscription, it currently applies only to men, requiring a constitutional change to include women.

The push for a renewed compulsory service is largely driven by Germany's commitment to meet NATO capability targets, which require the Bundeswehr to increase its active troop numbers from approximately 182,000 to 260,000 soldiers. This necessitates recruiting an additional 80,000 personnel. The perceived growing threat from Russia has further intensified these discussions.

Government Proposals and Political Divisions

The federal cabinet, under Chancellor Merz, recently approved a plan that represents a step towards addressing personnel shortages. This plan, which still requires parliamentary approval, includes sending online questionnaires to all 18-year-old German men (compulsory) and women (voluntary) starting in 2026, inquiring about their interest in military service. Mandatory medical assessments for 18-year-old men are slated to begin in 2027.

The bill also contains provisions that would allow for the reinstatement of full compulsory military service with parliamentary consent if voluntary recruitment efforts prove insufficient. However, this approach has highlighted divisions within the governing coalition. While Merz's CDU/CSU bloc largely supports stronger measures, the Social Democrats (SPD), led by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, have emphasized making voluntary service more attractive, arguing against immediate compulsory service due to concerns about infringing on young people's lives. Despite this, Minister Pistorius has conceded that voluntary measures might not be enough. The CDU/CSU parliamentary group recently blocked a discussion in the Bundestag of Pistorius's bill, signaling internal tensions over the issue.

Broader Debate and Future Outlook

The debate extends beyond military service to a broader 'general compulsory year' (allgemeines Dienstjahr), with figures like Green party politician Cem Özdemir also calling for a 'republican year' that could be compulsory. The discussion reflects a national re-evaluation of defense and societal cohesion in a changing geopolitical landscape. While the immediate focus is on enhancing voluntary recruitment, the possibility of a return to a more comprehensive compulsory service remains a significant point of contention and a potential future policy direction for Germany.