The SPD parliamentary group does not share the reservations expressed by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier regarding the new voluntary military service. During an interview with T-Online, Deputy SPD parliamentary group chairwoman Siemtje Möller stated that while the party had previously suggested discussing further measures if the recruitment corridor was clearly failing, she was unwilling to comment on speculation at this time. Möller clarified that a clear and transparent recruitment plan had been enacted; the questionnaires had been distributed since January, and the first recruits were already undergoing training. She added this shows that “things are moving and advancing”. Furthermore, she noted that starting this summer, the Minister of Defense will regularly report to the Bundestag on personnel development, allowing for an evaluation of whether goals are being met.
The AfD’s defense policy spokesperson, Jan Nolte, criticized the government’s plan. Although he acknowledged that distributing the questionnaires had led young men to engage more deeply with the topic-potentially increasing the number of volunteers-Nolte expressed doubt about its effectiveness. He stated, “I do not believe this will be enough to build the capacity the Bundeswehr needs. The debate about compulsory military service will return”.
The Left Party’s leadership showed strong protest against the President’s comments. Left Party boss Jan van Aken told T-Online that only five months after the commencement of the recruitment process, Steinmeier had voiced a concern that the Left viewed as highly worrying. van Aken accused the federal government of preparing for general mandatory service under the guise of voluntarism, further citing the President’s current statement as evidence. He asserted that it is inappropriate for a Federal President to demand “compulsory service” for all young people, arguing that the government should instead focus on guaranteeing young people safe jobs, affordable housing, and a strong future outlook.
This skepticism stems from President Steinmeier himself, who used T-Online’s podcast “Vorangedacht” to doubt whether the voluntary service implemented by the black-and-red governing coalition would be sufficient to ensure enough soldiers for the Bundeswehr. He stated, “I doubt whether voluntarism is enough” and suggested that the debate surrounding military conscription could become “relevant again”.
