German president backs compulsory military service amid defence push
Jul 14, 2025
Berlin [Germany], July 14: German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has spoken out in favour of introducing a new form of compulsory military service to boost the country's armed forces. Germany suspended conscription in 2011 but it remains enshrined in Germany's de facto constitution, the Basic Law, and can be reintroduced with a simple majority in parliament. A debate on conscription is now necessary, Steinmeier told the ZDF public broadcaster in an interview set to air on Sunday evening.
"I am in favour of compulsory military service," the president reiterated. He justified his position with Europe's changing security situation, Russia's war in Ukraine and the US administration's attitude towards trans-Atlantic relations.
Source: Qatar Tribune
