A leading figure within Germany’s parliamentary opposition has voiced significant concerns regarding the proposed new national service legislation set to be approved by the cabinet this Wednesday. Norbert Röttgen, Deputy Chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, argues the current draft falls short of adequately addressing Germany’s defense capabilities.
Röttgen, in comments to “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland”, stated the legislation lacks specific numerical targets and defined timelines for achieving its stated goals, hindering effective implementation and accountability. He specifically criticized the proposal as deviating from the Swedish model, which was explicitly referenced in the governing coalition agreement. The Swedish system, he explained, establishes a clear annual recruitment target and implements compulsory service if volunteer numbers fall short.
According to Röttgen, Germany requires approximately 260,000 active and reserve soldiers by 2035 – a net increase of 90,000 from the current figure of 170,000. He warned that failing to address these shortfalls during the current parliamentary term could make this target unattainable. The CDU/CSU faction, therefore, intends to push for amendments to the legislation when it reaches parliament.