A leading figure from the opposition CDU/CSU parliamentary group, Norbert Röttgen, has sharply criticized Defence Minister Boris Pistorius’ approach to mandatory service proposals. Röttgen argued that relying on a hoped-for improvement in the security situation is insufficient justification for delaying decisive action regarding personnel planning for the Bundeswehr. He stated that any further postponement of addressing potential shortfalls would be irresponsible.
Röttgen specifically took issue with the lack of concrete details within Pistorius’ draft legislation concerning the conditions and procedures for activating a mandatory service component should volunteer numbers prove inadequate to meet defence objectives. He emphasized the necessity of establishing clear milestones that would trigger a transition from a fully volunteer force to one incorporating mandatory service, should such a shift become necessary. He noted this aligns with commitments made in the current coalition agreement, which stipulated a model similar to that of Sweden.
The opposition politician also highlighted the significant financial flexibility granted to the Defence Minister through an exemption from standard budgetary constraints. He stated that these fiscal resources must now be matched with sufficient personnel, aiming for a substantial increase in active military personnel to 260,000 by 2035.
Members of the CDU/CSU have voiced concerns for weeks regarding what they perceive as the limited scope of Pistorius’ proposals. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul initially raised objections to the legislation, effectively pausing its progress. Following a crisis meeting on Monday, Wadephul withdrew these objections. Röttgen defended his colleague’s actions, explaining that Wadephul, given his international responsibilities regarding security policy, could not approve a law that fails to adequately address the fundamental personnel requirements for national defence.
