The potential introduction of a new mandatory service – often framed as a successor to Germany’s abolished conscription – faces significant scrutiny within the Social Democratic Party (SPD), with a critical emphasis on democratic process and youth involvement. Adis Ahmetovic, the SPD’s spokesperson for foreign policy in the Bundestag, has stipulated that his support for the proposed legislation hinges on ensuring genuine youth representation and preventing a default return to compulsory service.
Speaking to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Ahmetovic stressed that any system involving potential mandatory participation must be “fair, open and voluntary” to cultivate public trust in the state. He cautioned against an automatic pathway to reinstating conscription, insisting that any such decision must be legislated by parliament and not implemented solely through administrative action. “The parliament must have the final say” he asserted, highlighting concerns about executive overreach and a potential erosion of parliamentary sovereignty.
Beyond the framework of the law itself, Ahmetovic’s statements reveal a deeper political objective: to harness the support and engagement of younger generations. Recognizing the potential for widespread skepticism and resentment towards mandatory service, he is advocating for a formalized and binding inclusion of youth voices throughout the legislative process.
This includes the direct participation of the Bundesjugendring (National Youth Council), the Bundesschülerrat (National Student Council) and a broader spectrum of youth organizations encompassing trade unions, sports clubs and industry groups, alongside their respective state-level organizations. Ahmetovic sees this collaborative approach as essential not only for shaping the system’s design but also for fostering a sense of ownership and enthusiasm, arguing that “genuine empathy and understanding” can only be achieved through meaningful dialogue with those who may be directly impacted.
The inclusion of these organizations is framed as a critical condition for Ahmetovic’s final vote, signaling a potential challenge to the government’s strategy and underlining the importance of democratic representation within a policy area carrying significant societal implications. His stance highlights a broader debate within the SPD regarding the balance between national security interests and the preservation of civil liberties and genuine public consent.