A deepening political rift is emerging within Germany’s ruling coalition as senior figures from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) push for a renewed debate on mandatory military service, despite staunch opposition from their Social Democratic Party (SPD) counterparts. Thomas Röwekamp, Chairman of the Bundestag’s Defense Committee, has issued a stark ultimatum, demanding a definitive decision on the potential reinstatement of conscription by mid-2027.
Röwekamp’s call comes amidst rising security concerns, citing recent violations of NATO airspace and drone overflights as compelling evidence that Germany must urgently bolster its defense capabilities. He argues that the current security landscape has fundamentally altered since the coalition agreement, which initially prioritized a voluntary military service model, was forged.
The CDU’s position puts significant pressure on Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, an SPD member, who is now expected to establish binding annual targets for personnel growth within the Bundeswehr, particularly impacting active troop numbers. Crucially, Röwekamp insists the SPD must endorse these targets and demonstrate a willingness to activate conscription should they fail to be met.
The core disagreement revolves around the speed and scale of military expansion. While the coalition agreement initially dismissed mandatory service, Röwekamp stresses the need for a “law that addresses the changed challenges”. He further emphasizes Germany’s commitments made at the Den Haag NATO summit, where ambitious targets for military capabilities were pledged, including a tripling of reservist numbers and a 50% increase in active military personnel.
Negotiations are complicated by the impending vote on the draft law for a new voluntary military service, initially slated for Thursday but postponed a week to accommodate Union’s requests for revisions. This delay underscores the fractious nature of the ongoing discussions and suggests the prospect of a renewed debate on conscription remains a highly contentious issue.
Analysts suggest Röwekamp’s aggressive stance reflects growing pressure from within the CDU to demonstrate a more robust response to perceived security threats, potentially jeopardizing the fragile coalition dynamic and raising questions about the government’s long-term defense strategy. The coming months promise a tense battle within the German government as the prospect of a return to conscription hangs heavy.
