The President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, expressed doubts regarding whether the voluntary military service implemented by the red-black ruling coalition will be sufficient to provide the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) with the necessary number of personnel. Steinmeier stated that if voluntary enlistment proves inadequate, the debate surrounding compulsory military service will become relevant once again.
He reiterated his long-standing demand for some form of mandatory service for all citizens. According to Steinmeier, this concept is far from obsolete and could experience a new resurgence through discussions about conscription. He argued that the question of military fairness has always been intrinsically linked to mandatory service. In his view, the fairest solution would involve every individual committing a defined period of their working life to contribute to the common good. This, he believes, would finally resolve ongoing disputes about military equity.
Regarding the specifics of such a mandatory duty, Steinmeier suggested a period lasting between six months and one year. He emphasized that this service would not have to be strictly military, but could be directed toward social work, the arts, culture, or ecological projects. His core aim is promoting the willingness of every person to contribute a small portion of their working lives to benefit society as a whole.