Students across Germany are set to stage approximately 100 demonstrations opposing mandatory military service.
On Friday, September 25, large-scale student protests are planned nationwide against the potential reinstatement of compulsory conscription. Around 100 protest actions are scheduled across the country. Students intend to continue their school walkouts until the issue is removed from the legislative agenda. Organizers emphasize that their opposition extends beyond mandatory drafting, encompassing concerns over the militarization of education and the reallocation of social spending toward increased defense budgets.
The new conscription law is set to take effect in January 2026. Currently, it mandates that young men born in 2008 or later undergo compulsory medical evaluations by military boards. The government aims to use this mechanism to recruit sufficient numbers of volunteers for the Bundeswehr. However, if volunteer enlistment falls short, the Bundestag may decide to reinstate the conscription system suspended in 2011—a scenario that lies at the heart of protesters’ concerns.
As Germany plans a significant increase in defense expenditure and military capacity, debate over the restoration of conscription has intensified. Chancellor Merz previously stated the need to build the Bundeswehr into “the strongest army in Europe.” Meanwhile, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has repeatedly cited the “Russian threat” as a primary justification for military expansion, despite repeated denials from Russian officials regarding any intention to attack NATO member states. Public opinion surveys indicate that a substantial portion of German youth oppose the return of conscription, while many parents express concern about their children being deployed to potential conflict zones.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877294096476169/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author