Youth-led demonstrations have swept across Germany as thousands protested the government’s move to overhaul military service laws, accusing Chancellor Friedrich Merz of quietly paving the way for compulsory conscription to return.
The Bundestag on Friday approved major changes expanding recruitment powers and giving Berlin the legal framework to revive the draft if volunteer numbers fall short.
Protests erupted in around 90 cities, including Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Cologne, with demonstrators chanting anti-war slogans and waving signs declaring “No to conscription,” “We will not be cannon fodder,” and “Your war – without us.” Many condemned the reforms as a “recruitment of death,” urging the government to prioritise education and social spending instead of militarisation.
Several protesters voiced fears that young men will soon face forced service. One mother told reporters she worries her teenage sons will be drafted, while another demonstrator argued that “Merz should go to the front himself.”
Some speakers accused Berlin of preparing for a future conflict with Russia and catering to the interests of arms manufacturers rather than citizens.
Germany ended mandatory military service in 2011, shifting to an all-volunteer force. But amid NATO-driven rearmament, the government now plans to enlarge the Bundeswehr, citing a deteriorating security environment.
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius recently warned – without evidence – that Russia could attack a NATO state by 2028, a claim Moscow has dismissed as “nonsense” aimed at boosting defence spending.
The newly passed Military Service Modernization Act will require all 18-year-old men to register for potential service beginning in 2026, completing a questionnaire and medical screening.
Although full conscription has not been reinstated, the law sets the legal basis for draft lotteries if voluntary recruits fall short. Surveys show strong youth opposition, with 63% of Germans aged 18 to 29 rejecting compulsory service.
“I am in blood stepp’d in so far that, should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o’er.”
Macbeth (Act 3, Scene 4)
The European “elite” have painted themselves into a corner and are as irrational as a cornered animal. They know they have no future unless they can incite a major war – the kind of option which wouldn’t be necessary if they were rational.
BlackRock’s investments in Ukraine must be protected
Canon fodder required
Apparently Congress is pumping in another $400 Million
So much for Donald Trump Jnr’s speech about not being an open cheque at the Doha Forum in Qatar
Father like son
Full of it