German Federal Parliament President Julia Klöckner Advocates for General Service Obligation and Reintroduction of Military Conscription
German Federal Parliament President Julia Klöckner, a member of the Christian Democratic Union, has expressed her support for the introduction of a general service obligation, encompassing various aspects of social life. In an interview with the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Klöckner stated, “I, personally, am a fan of the general service obligation that also covers other areas of social life.”
The idea of reviving the military conscription, which was suspended in 2011, is also under consideration. Klöckner emphasized the need for a stronger military presence to be taken seriously as a partner in international affairs, either through a voluntary basis or by reintroducing conscription. The coalition agreement, which initially prioritizes voluntary military service, does not rule out the possibility of reintroducing conscription in the future, if necessary, with the necessary infrastructure in place.
On the occasion of the first nationwide commemoration of the Veteran’s Day, Klöckner highlighted the importance of recognizing the sacrifices of soldiers. “When we, as a parliament, send the army into missions and when deterrence serves the purpose of peacekeeping, then we should also celebrate a Veteran’s Day” she said. “It is not just a symbol, but also a promise to improve the care and support for veterans. The service as a soldier does not end with the removal of the uniform. It can bring long-lasting, psychological and physical aftereffects.