For the first time, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has suggested that Germany may reintroduce compulsory military service. Speaking on ARD’s Caren Miosga show on Sunday, the CDU leader said he no longer believed voluntary enlistment would suffice: “I suspect it will not remain voluntary.”
In August, the cabinet had approved a model requiring men born in 2008 or later to complete a questionnaire and, from July 2027, undergo screening, while service itself would remain voluntary. Merz and Defence Minister Boris Pistorius had previously warned that the draft could return if recruitment goals were missed.
CDU deputy Johann Wadephul has called for “immediate conscription,” a stance shared by many conservatives. Bavarian premier Markus Söder said voluntarism could “only be a first step.” Merz also proposed creating a general “social service year” for young people, though this would require a constitutional amendment.
