Opposition members from the Left Party have voiced strong criticism of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s recent statements regarding the potential reintroduction of mandatory military service for women Desiree Becker, spokesperson for peace and disarmament policy for the Left Party’s parliamentary group, stated that forcing women into compulsory service would be a cynical act given the existing structural disadvantages they face in society She argued that such a measure would not represent genuine progress towards equality, but rather a further encroachment on their autonomy
Becker cautioned against a trajectory of increased coercion and militarization, characterizing the prospect of compelling women to bear arms as a regressive step She raised questions regarding the feasibility of achieving the necessary two-thirds parliamentary majority required for such a fundamental change in policy
The comments follow Chancellor Merz’s remarks made during an interview with the French television network TF1 He indicated that if volunteer recruitment for the Bundeswehr – the German armed forces – continues to fall short of requirements, a return to conscription may become necessary Merz specifically stated that any such system would, “in principle” apply equally to both men and women, acknowledging that “several hurdles” remain before this could be implemented The Left Party has pledged to actively oppose the introduction of mandatory military service for women