Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s proposal for a mandatory civic year is facing considerable opposition and criticism from both advocacy groups and political parties.
The German Social Association (SoVD) argues that voluntary social engagement is significantly more valuable than a compulsory program. Michaela Engelmeier, CEO of the SoVD, emphasized in an interview with the “Rheinische Post” newspaper, “What is done voluntarily is often done with more heart than a task that is possibly felt as an unwelcome obligation”. She advocates for increased incentives and support for voluntary work rather than mandates, expressing concern over current cuts to the existing Federal Volunteer Service (BFD) program. Engelmeier noted that a significant majority (nearly 70%) of participants find employment in the social sector following their BFD experience and cuts to the program risk disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations amidst a skills shortage.
The proposal to consider retirees for participation is similarly viewed with caution. While acknowledging the importance of intergenerational solidarity, Engelmeier pointed out that many retirees have already made substantial contributions throughout their working lives. She suggested appreciating and encouraging existing voluntary efforts by seniors rather than imposing mandatory participation.
Britta Haßelmann, Parliamentary Group Chair of the Green Party, also rejects the concept of a compulsory civic year. In her comments to the “Rheinische Post” she suggests focusing on strengthening existing voluntary services and broadening opportunities for engagement in social and ecological areas, including organizations like the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) and the fire department. She specifically highlighted the potential for attracting volunteers to the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces), emphasizing the need to make it a more attractive employer.
The SPD (Social Democratic Party) views the introduction of a mandatory civic year as currently unfeasible. Parlimentary Secretary Dirk Wiese stated that enacting such a program would necessitate a revision of the Basic Law, requiring a supermajority in the Bundestag, a threshold deemed unlikely to be achieved. He advocated instead for supporting voluntary initiatives, including enhanced financial incentives for military service, potentially offering net incomes of up to €2,300 per month.
Jan van Aken, leader of the Left Party, previously dismissed the potential for a constitutional amendment to facilitate mandatory service, effectively ruling out the proposal given the significant parliamentary hurdles involved. Achieving the necessary supermajority would likely require the support of the AfD (Alternative for Germany), adding further political complexity to the debate.
