A recent survey found that 54% of Germans support the reintroduction of military conscription—previously suspended by then-Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) in 2011. Some 41% of respondents oppose mandatory service, while 5% express no opinion.
In the Forsa survey, commissioned by Stern and RTL, support for the draft varies by age. Among Germans aged 60 and older, 61% are in favor, while 63% of 18- to 29-year-olds—who would be directly affected—oppose it. Party affiliation also influences views: 74% of CDU/CSU voters and 58% of Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) supporters favor conscription, whereas 80% of Die Linke (Left Party) voters reject it.
This week, the Bundestag will debate a federal government compromise to modernize military service. Under the plan, all young men will be required to complete a mandatory questionnaire about their willingness and ability to serve. A lottery will then determine which individuals must undergo medical assessment and an interview. Volunteers may begin service immediately, while those selected by the draw will be legally obliged to serve at least six months if recruitment targets are not met. Women remain exempt but may volunteer.
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) will determine the final number of recruits and the start of the drafting process. The measure comes amid rising security concerns in Europe and chronic manpower shortages in the Bundeswehr, the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany.
The Forsa survey also notes that public support for conscription has increased since the start of the Ukraine war in February 2022, with a clear majority backing a return since March 2024.
