Former German Interior and Defence Minister Thomas de Maizière has defended the earlier suspension of compulsory military service, asserting the decision was justified given the period’s low rates of compliance. In an interview with T-Online, de Maizière stated that the actual recruitment rate at the time was only between ten and fifteen percent, effectively rendering the obligation largely symbolic.
As discussions regarding a potential return to mandatory service gain traction, de Maizière advises that any renewed system should extend beyond the previous six-month duration. However, he believes a broader, universal service obligation encompassing both men and women represents the “better way” forward.
Beyond simply increasing the defence budget, de Maizière cautioned that financial investment alone will not resolve concerns about Germany’s defence capabilities. He highlighted the need for a national disaster protection framework and a closer integration of civilian and military resources.
Reflecting on the 2015 refugee crisis, de Maizière acknowledged shortcomings in Germany’s preparedness. He specifically pointed to significant deficiencies in the registration process at the time of entry. Subsequent challenges emerged with the distribution of refugees, leading to IT system failures and overwhelming the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. Regarding border rejections, de Maizière conceded that while legal avenues existed, their implementation proved difficult or only intermittently feasible.