The possibility of a mandatory national service year, recently proposed by CDU leader Friedrich Merz, faces significant hurdles and currently appears unlikely to be implemented, according to the Social Democratic Party (SPD).
Dirk Wiese, the SPD’s parliamentary affairs director, emphasized that the successful introduction of such a program requires a two-thirds majority in the German Bundestag. “Politics begins with assessing reality” Wiese stated in an interview with the “Rheinische Post”. “Achieving that level of support is presently not foreseeable, meaning we should concentrate on initiatives that are realistically achievable to enhance safety and security.
As an alternative, Wiese suggested strengthening voluntary military service programs with substantial financial incentives, potentially offering net monthly stipends of up to €2,300.
Earlier on Tuesday, Jan van Aken, leader of the Left party, also dismissed the prospect of a constitutional amendment to mandate service, further complicating the path for such a measure. Achieving the necessary two-thirds majority would necessitate the support of the governing Union and SPD factions, alongside the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, a scenario viewed as increasingly improbable.
