Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) is maintaining its position that the planned new national service within the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) should initially be implemented as a voluntary service, with any consideration of compulsory elements deferred to a later stage should circumstances demand it.
Speaking to the Funke media group, SPD parliamentary group deputy chair Siemtje Möller emphasized that the coalition agreement explicitly stipulates a voluntary start to the new service. “That is what applies” she stated.
Möller highlighted current limitations within the Bundeswehr, specifically a lack of trainers and suitable accommodation, preventing the immediate absorption of a large number of conscripts. The proposed approach is to begin with a manageable number of volunteers while simultaneously expanding training and housing capacities. This would allow for a phased increase in the number of participants.
The SPD politician, responsible for foreign and defense policy within the parliamentary group, added that the potential for compulsory elements would only be revisited if volunteer numbers proved insufficient to meet the Bundeswehr’s needs. She stressed that decisions will be guided by the actual requirements of the armed forces and their capacity for implementation.
A core objective of the new service, Möller stated, is to build a sustainable reserve force. The draft legislation, currently under the purview of the Defense Minister, will undergo thorough scrutiny in the coming weeks and be decided upon according to the guidelines established in the coalition agreement.
The cabinet is expected to approve the draft legislation on Wednesday. However, opposition parties, primarily the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU), have intensified their criticism and are calling for revisions. Their aim is to include legally binding targets for troop strength increases each year, with a provision for an automatic transition to conscription if these targets are not met.
