Students Across Germany Protest Possible Return of Compulsory Military Service

School strikes and demonstrations are taking place across Germany in opposition to the possible reintroduction of compulsory military service. Protesters in cities including Hamburg, Berlin, Kiel and Frankfurt have called on the government to rule out mandatory service, with organisers saying more than 100 demonstrations are planned.

Germany introduced a voluntary military service system in January, aimed at increasing the number of armed forces personnel. Under the new law, all 18-year-old men are required to complete a questionnaire and undergo a medical examination, while the questionnaire is voluntary for women. Compulsory service could be introduced if Germany’s security situation worsens or insufficient volunteers join.

The protests come as Chancellor Friedrich Merz pushes to strengthen Germany’s military amid concerns over Russia and changing European security needs. Germany currently has around 186,700 active troops and plans to increase this to 260,000 by the early 2030s, alongside about 200,000 reservists, to meet new NATO targets. Compulsory military service was suspended in Germany in 2011.

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