The youth organizations of the Union (CDU/CSU) and the SPD are currently engaged in a debate regarding mandatory military service. Johannes Winkel, Chairman of the Young Union (JU), told the “Rheinische Post” that if the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) fail to expand according to the legal plan, mandatory military duty must take effect in the following year. He asserted that if the recruitment target of 190,000 soldiers is missed in 2027, the duty must begin in July 2028, without any exceptions. Winkel added that even the recruitment questionnaire, which young men must fill out, cannot impress Putin.
Conversely, the Young SPD (Juso) continues to strongly advocate for voluntary service. Philipp Türmer, the Juso Chairman, criticized those who push for mandatory service, calling them “shoutmongers simply trying to make an easy life for themselves.” He pointed out that the Bundeswehr voluntarily achieved its personnel goal for 2026, numbering around 186,700 soldiers. Türmer argued that offering attractive working conditions is the most effective way to encourage young people to sign up voluntarily-something they have campaigned for for years. He stated that anyone currently discussing conscription is ignoring the prevailing trend. Consequently, he maintained that they reject all forms of compulsory service, whether military or civilian, for both men and women.
