The German Bundestag is poised to debate a significant overhaul of military service regulations this week, a move coinciding with a notable shift in public opinion favoring the reintroduction of mandatory conscription. A recent Forsa poll commissioned by “Stern” magazine reveals that 54% of German citizens now support compulsory service within the Bundeswehr, contrasting with 41% who oppose it. This change reflects a palpable anxiety surrounding geopolitical stability, particularly in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The resurgence of support for mandatory military service is not uniform across the political spectrum. While voters of the conservative CDU/CSU demonstrate the strongest backing at 74%, a surprising 58% of SPD (Social Democratic Party) supporters also believe a return to regular conscription is warranted. This split highlights a fundamental tension within the current ‘black-red’ (CDU/CSU-SPD) coalition government, as the SPD leadership has consistently expressed reservations about reinstating compulsory service. The position reflects a lingering ideological reluctance to embrace a potentially more militarized posture, despite rising security concerns.
Opposition is most pronounced among voters of the Left party (Die Linke), with 80% expressing clear rejection of a compulsory service model. Importantly, the generational divide is striking. Older generations (60 years and above) show strong support at 61%, likely influenced by heightened memories of past conflicts and anxieties about regional stability. Conversely, the demographic most directly impacted – 18 to 29-year-olds – demonstrates a substantial 63% opposition to military conscription, raising questions about the potential for widespread resistance and logistical challenges should the policy be enacted.
Although legally suspended in 2011 rather than formally abolished, the debate surrounding the Wehrpflicht has been repeatedly revisited since the onset of the Ukraine conflict. Initial public responses fluctuated in the immediate aftermath of the invasion. However, consistent polling data starting in March 2024 indicates a decisive swing towards support, suggesting a broader reevaluation of Germany’s defense posture and its role within Europe. The impending parliamentary discussions and the public pressure to reinstate mandatory service will undoubtedly test the cohesion of the governing coalition and its long-term political strategy.