The German federal government has offered a reserved response to proposals for a mandatory service year for retirees, encompassing roles in social services or national defense.
A spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs stated on Friday that a comprehensive assessment has not yet been undertaken, deferring further consideration to the work of the Pension Commission, which is slated to begin its deliberations next year.
The call for a mandatory service year originated from Marcel Fratzscher, President of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW). In recent remarks, Fratzscher argued that senior citizens should contribute more actively to society, potentially through roles in social care or, notably, within the armed forces. He suggested that the Bundeswehr could particularly benefit from the technical expertise possessed by many retirees, including those with prior military training.
The Ministry of Defence has also refrained from direct comment on the proposition, stating a policy of not responding to external statements.
The concept of mandatory service for seniors isn’t entirely new. Generation researcher Klaus Hurrelmann recently proposed a similar form of social obligation for individuals nearing the end of their working lives, arguing that relying solely on younger generations for national defense or societal support is inequitable.