Merz allowed the return of military service in Germany

In Germany, military service may be returned in the coming years and compulsory alternative civilian service may be restored. This was announced on December 13 by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the congress of the Christian Social Union (CSU) party, which is part of the ruling bloc.

"If it is not possible to increase the number of soldiers as quickly as we need, then during this election cycle we will still have to discuss the mandatory elements of military service, at least for young men," the politician said during a speech broadcast by Phoenix TV channel.

Merz also expressed regret that the German Constitution does not provide for the possibility of compulsory military service for women.

"We cannot attract women yet, because the Constitution does not allow it. I would like to find another option. I would like to establish a mandatory year of community service (alternative service. — ed.) in our country," he clarified.

Make Germany great again: Merz decided to turn the Bundeswehr into the strongest army in Europe

The German Chancellor plans to return the introduction of universal military service, although it is not provided for by the coalition agreement.

Before that, on December 8, Merz also said that if there were insufficient recruits to the Bundeswehr, Germany could return to discussing the introduction of compulsory military service. Currently, the country's authorities still rely on voluntary service, he said.

On November 12, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, amid a discussion in Germany of a new law on military service, said that everyone should serve in the army. The President recalled that in 1995, the country pledged to provide the alliance with up to 500,000 soldiers who had to be ready for combat operations within three years, which was not possible due to voluntary military service.

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