Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the German President, has expressed doubts about whether the voluntary military service model-implemented by the governing CDU/SPD coalition-will provide the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) with a sufficient number of personnel. According to Steinmeier, the debate over mandatory military service could become relevant again if the current system proves unable to meet the necessary troop numbers.
The President therefore renewed his long-standing call for a mandatory period of service for all citizens. He stated that the idea is far from obsolete, noting that the discussion around mandatory service will inevitably give it new momentum. For Steinmeier, the concept of compulsory service has always been tied to the question of fairness-the equitable distribution of burden and commitment.
“In my conviction, the fairest solution is for everyone to dedicate a piece of their life to doing something for the common good” he argued. He asserted that such a system would resolve the inherent argument regarding military fairness.
Regarding the logistics of such a mandatory period, Steinmeier suggested a duration ranging between six months and one year. The service could be utilized in diverse fields, including social work, the Bundeswehr, culture, or ecology. Ultimately, his focus is on fostering a widespread commitment among all people to dedicate a portion of their working life to contribute positively to the collective society.
