The discussion surrounding mandatory national service has been reignited following comments made by Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) during a recent televised interview. Speaking on the ARD program with Caren Miosga, Merz indicated that while the initial approach to the new national service model would prioritize voluntary participation, as stipulated in the coalition agreement, this may not remain the long-term strategy.
Furthermore, the Chancellor advocated for the introduction of a mandatory social service year, a proposal that, like the potential inclusion of women in national service, would require a constitutional amendment.
These suggestions have drawn a swift and decisive rejection from Jan van Aken, the leader of the Left party. Van Aken attributed a perceived reluctance among young people to participate in national service to widespread dissatisfaction with the current government. He argued that individuals might be hesitant to serve a nation they believe does not adequately address their concerns.
Consequently, the Left party confirmed its opposition to any constitutional changes that would permit mandatory military service for women. Van Aken voiced strong objections to compulsory service, citing negative personal experiences with the conscientious objector review process. He expressed a desire to prevent others from undergoing what he described as a degrading experience.
The governing coalition of the Union and SPD currently lacks a stable two-thirds majority in the Bundestag. Achieving this threshold would require either the support of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) or an alliance with the Green Party and the Left party.