A faction within Germany’s Green party is pushing for a sweeping, mandatory societal service year for all citizens, a proposal sparking debate about the future of national defense, social cohesion and the role of the state. The initiative, gaining traction ahead of the party’s November federal conference, envisions a program open to all genders and age groups, potentially extending beyond retirement age.
The proposed “Gesellschaftsjahr” – societal year – would commence after the completion of mandatory schooling and could be undertaken until the age of 28, with military service an optional component commencing at age 18. Participants would be granted a legal right to engage in this service, selecting from a range of options including roles within the armed forces, civil protection, or social care facilities, with a duration spanning between nine and twelve months.
Proponents argue the program aims to cultivate a renewed appreciation for democratic values, asserting that freedom and democracy are not guaranteed but rather require a shared responsibility. They frame it as a contribution to a holistic defence strategy, safeguarding liberal societal order and strengthening a resilient civil society. This initiative is presented as a departure from the outdated conscription debates currently plaguing the governing coalition and a response to increasing societal anxieties.
The proposal’s architects, including prominent figures such as North Rhine-Westphalia’s Deputy Minister President Mona Neubaur, Hamburg’s Second Mayor Katharina Fegebank and Bundestag Transport Committee Chairman Tarek Al-Wazir, highlight the inadequacy of past approaches to national security and the need for a universally inclusive framework. Al-Wazir explicitly stated the current conscription debate’s failures demonstrate the need for a “total societal approach” that avoids repeating historical injustices associated with mandatory military service for men only.
Significantly, the proposal is not intended as a return to traditional conscription, but rather as a multigenerational project combining military, civilian and social aspects to forge a new social contract for the 21st century. Bavarian state parliament faction leader Katharina Schulze echoed this sentiment, underscoring the renewed imperative of citizens asking themselves what they can contribute to the nation amid heightened global threats. The Green party’s internal discussions are now focused on the practical implications of such a large-scale program and the potential for unintended consequences, alongside addressing concerns about bureaucratic overhead and potential infringements on individual liberties.
