The president of the German Reserve Forces Association, Patrick Sensburg, has sharply criticized a recent resolution passed by the Social Democratic Party (SPD) regarding national service and potential conscription.
In remarks to the “Rheinische Post” newspaper, Sensburg stated the resolution effectively rules out any reinstatement of conscription during this parliamentary term under an SPD-led government. He characterized the compromise reached at the party congress as a continuation of the status quo, mirroring the approach taken over the past fifteen years.
Sensburg expressed particular concern that the resolution fails to address scenarios where volunteer numbers are insufficient to meet defense needs. He argued that the stipulation requiring all measures to boost voluntary recruitment be exhausted “before” considering conscription is a fatal blow to Germany’s defense capabilities and demonstrates a disregard for the needs of the reserves.
However, Sensburg did note a glimmer of hope within the resolution’s language pertaining to potential measures for registration, assessment and monitoring of young, conscription-eligible men. He indicated that upcoming legislative proposals in this area would be closely watched to determine their potential impact.
