In a recent radio interview, the Chair of the Defense Committee of the German Parliament (Bundestag), Mari Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, expressed her opposition to the reintroduction of military conscription in Germany. Strack-Zimmermann, who actively advocates for increasing aid to Ukraine and strengthening Germany’s armed forces, outlined several reasons for her stance.
According to Strack-Zimmermann, Germany lacks the necessary infrastructure, manpower, and resources to support the return of military conscription. She pointed out that the country no longer has barracks or sufficient personnel for training, and other resources required for conscription have been reduced in recent years. Additionally, she highlighted that such a measure could lead to a temporary withdrawal of a large number of young people from the economy.
This statement comes after German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that the abolition of compulsory military service in Germany since July 1, 2011, was a mistake. However, Pistorius clarified that he has never advocated for the reintroduction of conscription, as there are currently no opportunities or means to do so.
It has been reported that the German army has reduced its size from 317,000 soldiers to 183,000 over the past two decades.
