Battle for the Bundeswehr: SPD and Union quarrel over military service!

Battle for the Bundeswehr: SPD and Union quarrel over military service!

On August 26, 2025, the political landscape in Germany will be reshaped by the upcoming reform of military service. The SPD has clearly spoken out against the Union's plans to tighten the new military service law. Loud Radio Westfalica The Union, led by Union faction deputy Norbert Röttgen, is under pressure to introduce binding annual targets for the recruitment of volunteers. According to the Union, these requirements should trigger an automatic reintroduction of compulsory military service if the goals are not achieved.

SPD defense expert Christoph Schmid, however, emphasizes that one should be patient with the existing provisions and wait for the law to take effect before thinking about changes. He makes it clear that military service should remain voluntary, as stipulated in the coalition agreement. Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil remains calm despite internal friction and emphasizes the need to make progress on the new laws.

A new path for the Bundeswehr

With the new military service law, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is pursuing the goal of recruiting tens of thousands of new recruits for the Bundeswehr every year. The draft will be presented to the cabinet on Wednesday daily news reports that the Foreign Office's reservation has already been withdrawn. The draft law stipulates that from 2024 a questionnaire will be sent to young men and women to inquire about their interest in military service - mind you: men are obliged to fill it out, but it remains optional for women.

The planned regulation also stipulates that from 2028 all 18-year-old men will have to appear for a mandatory muster. In the event of a situation of tension or defense, compulsory military service, which has been suspended since 2011, will automatically come into force again. Conscientious objectors must submit formal applications to clarify their situation - a regulation that could be particularly important for the younger generation.

The pressure from outside and the need for security

Due to the current threat from Russia, NATO has called for a troop strength of at least 260,000 soldiers in order to strengthen Germany's defense capability. The Bundeswehr currently has around 183,000 active soldiers, which increases the pressure on the government to quickly adopt and implement the new military service law. Defense Minister Pistorius has announced that he will bring the draft to the cabinet unchanged and sees the need for comprehensive training for recruits both in the current security situation and in the use of modern technologies, such as drones.

The political factions in the Bundestag are under the impression of a strenuous autumn, as Chancellor Friedrich Merz said ZDF assured. In addition to compulsory military service, other issues such as tax increases and social benefits also need to be addressed. Against this background, it remains to be seen how the conflict between the political camps will develop and whether the targeted recruitment numbers will actually be achieved.