Germany’s Debate on Mandatory Service Stalls Without Consensus

Coalition talks remain deadlocked as parties clash over proposals for conscription, voluntary service, and the Green Party's 'Freiheitsdienst.'

The SPD and CDU/CSU remain divided in coalition negotiations, with the SPD advocating for voluntary service and the CDU/CSU pushing for traditional conscription.
Eva Högl, the Bundestag's military commissioner, supports the Green Party's 'Freiheitsdienst,' a six-month mandatory service for all citizens aged 18 to 67.
Juso leader Philipp Türmer opposes all forms of mandatory service, emphasizing the Bundeswehr's need for specialized personnel rather than general conscription.
The Bundeswehr continues to face significant personnel challenges, including high dropout rates and difficulty recruiting specialized forces.
Implementing mandatory service for all genders would require a constitutional amendment, which lacks sufficient support in the current Bundestag.