Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is preparing to formally propose a motion to reinstate compulsory military service within the Bundestag, the German parliament, following the summer recess. According to reports in “Der Spiegel”, the draft resolution calls for the “restoration” of the conscription system, which has been suspended since 2011.
The proposal aims to bolster Germany’s defense capabilities, a point emphasized by AfD’s defense policy spokesperson, Rüdiger Lucassen, who acknowledged the measure is unlikely to be universally popular amongst younger citizens.
The issue has been subject to internal debate within the AfD, particularly within regional branches. Historically, some associations, especially those in eastern Germany, have resisted the idea, preferring to position the party as advocating for peace. Thuringia’s AfD chairman, Björn Höcke, voiced concerns in March on the social media platform X about implementing a conscription system within the current social environment. Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD’s parliamentary group leader in Saxony-Anhalt, stated the party’s aim is to strengthen the Bundeswehr – Germany’s armed forces – as a defense army, while avoiding the escalation of conflict.
The formal motion is anticipated to be introduced to the Bundestag in September.