BSW parliamentary group criticizes plans for military service

The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) rejects plans to reform the law on compulsory military service. According to the BSW parliamentary group in the Saxon state parliament, German foreign and security policy now relies exclusively on militarization and rearmament. "Today's young people are being asked to sacrifice their health and their lives in order to be fit for war because the German government refuses to pursue a responsible foreign policy based on diplomacy and de-escalation," said MP Nico Rudolph.

BSW points to the high costs of compulsory military service

The flexible activation of compulsory military service "opens the door to political arbitrariness and prevents planning security in the lives of young people", it said. The BSW also argued with financial burdens. According to a study commissioned by the Ministry of Finance, the introduction of compulsory military service would cost billions, up to a high double-digit figure. "This money is currently needed much more urgently for the education sector, civilian public infrastructure and the healthcare system."

Conscription can be revived in the event of tension and defense

Conscription was suspended in Germany in 2011 under Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (CSU) after 55 years. This was tantamount to abolishing military and civilian service, as practically all structures for compulsory military service were dissolved at the same time. However, the Conscription Act still stipulates that compulsory military service for men is revived if the Bundestag declares a state of tension and defense.

The Bundeswehr's personnel concerns have recently increased and the number of soldiers had even fallen below 180,000 men and women as of June. There are also around 60,000 reservists who have been called up - i.e. permanently integrated.