Czech Defense Minister comments on plans to introduce military service in the country

Czech Defense Minister Jana Chernokhova said she was not considering the option of introducing military service and compulsory conscription into the country's army. She stated this on March 9 on the NOVA TV channel.

"This proposal is not being discussed, no one is offering it. Currently, we are trying to recruit as many professional soldiers and active reservists into the army as possible," Chernokhova said.

The minister clarified that such a step could be taken only as a last resort, and she "cannot imagine" signing the relevant decree.

"This is an extreme measure that I hope will never happen," she clarified.

Pavel Ruzhichka, a representative of the largest opposition political movement Action of Dissatisfied Citizens (ANO), also stated that he supports this position.

"I'm afraid of an arms race. I think that this issue should be approached with a cool head and everything should be communicated intelligently, because every action provokes a response," he explained.

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