Germany has seen large student protests over new military-service rules, with more than 45,000 students demonstrating in around 100 cities, according to organisers. The protests come after mandatory medical examinations began for young men under Germany’s new military-service system.
18-Year-Old Men Face Mandatory Medical Checks
Under the new rules, 18-year-old men are required to complete a military-service questionnaire, while participation is voluntary for women. Medical examinations are also being introduced for men to assess their fitness for possible military service.
The current system, however, does not automatically force young men to join the military. Military service remains voluntary unless Germany’s parliament later activates compulsory service through a separate decision.
Students Take To The Streets
The demonstrations were organised by groups opposing a possible return of compulsory military service.
Organisers said more than 45,000 students joined protests across roughly 100 locations. Police figures available for individual cities were lower in several cases, including around 2,400 protesters in Berlin.
Why Are Students Protesting?
Protesters are demanding an end to mandatory medical examinations and opposing what they describe as a gradual return to conscription.
Some young people who had indicated that they were not interested in military service were reportedly among those summoned for medical examinations, adding to concerns among student groups.
Germany Wants To Expand Its Military
The government says the new military-service system is designed to increase recruitment and strengthen the Bundeswehr amid a changing security environment in Europe. Germany aims to significantly increase the size of its armed forces over the coming years, while initially relying on voluntary recruitment.
Compulsory Service Not Fully Reintroduced
Although the protests are being described as demonstrations against conscription, Germany has not currently reinstated compulsory basic military service in peacetime. Under the new framework, the Bundestag could introduce compulsory service if recruitment targets are not met or the security situation requires it.