Germany aims to grow military size without reinstating mandatory draft – Merz
The incoming German government, led by Friedrich Merz, has expressed its intention to strengthen the armed forces without implementing mandatory conscription. This plan emerges as the EU considers a significant investment in a large-scale militarization...
TroibNews 
The incoming German government, led by Friedrich Merz, has expressed its intention to strengthen the armed forces without implementing mandatory conscription. This plan emerges as the EU considers a significant investment in a large-scale militarization initiative.
Merz is poised to take on the role of chancellor following successful coalition negotiations this week between his Christian Democratic Union and the Social Democrats. A crucial aspect of their agreement centers on reforming the German military under the current defense minister, Boris Pistorius.
“We will initially strengthen our armed forces on the basis of voluntary service,” Merz stated during a press conference on Wednesday. “We hope that with enough volunteers, we will achieve the Bundeswehr’s expansion target.”
Germany's Armed Forces have encountered recruitment difficulties for several years, with personnel shortages projected to reach an alarming 28% by the end of 2024. While Pistorius has advocated for the reinstatement of compulsory service, no such measures were included in the significant reforms he unveiled in April.
Merz noted that coalition members have agreed to increase military spending further. Concerning the recruitment challenges, he mentioned the potential implementation of the ‘Swedish model’, a strategy currently being evaluated by various NATO nations facing similar volunteer recruitment issues.
In 2017, Sweden reintroduced mandatory conscription after a seven-year suspension. The current system screens over 100,000 18-year-olds of both genders annually, with less than 10% being drafted based on their capabilities. In a notable development, three Swedish men became the first to be imprisoned for evading the draft in 2019.
The EU has laid out proposals for extensive militarization, which could cost up to €800 billion in loans over four years, citing the necessity of preparing for possible conflict with Russia. Although Moscow regards NATO as hostile and expansionist, it has denied any intentions of attacking NATO member states.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
Merz is poised to take on the role of chancellor following successful coalition negotiations this week between his Christian Democratic Union and the Social Democrats. A crucial aspect of their agreement centers on reforming the German military under the current defense minister, Boris Pistorius.
“We will initially strengthen our armed forces on the basis of voluntary service,” Merz stated during a press conference on Wednesday. “We hope that with enough volunteers, we will achieve the Bundeswehr’s expansion target.”
Germany's Armed Forces have encountered recruitment difficulties for several years, with personnel shortages projected to reach an alarming 28% by the end of 2024. While Pistorius has advocated for the reinstatement of compulsory service, no such measures were included in the significant reforms he unveiled in April.
Merz noted that coalition members have agreed to increase military spending further. Concerning the recruitment challenges, he mentioned the potential implementation of the ‘Swedish model’, a strategy currently being evaluated by various NATO nations facing similar volunteer recruitment issues.
In 2017, Sweden reintroduced mandatory conscription after a seven-year suspension. The current system screens over 100,000 18-year-olds of both genders annually, with less than 10% being drafted based on their capabilities. In a notable development, three Swedish men became the first to be imprisoned for evading the draft in 2019.
The EU has laid out proposals for extensive militarization, which could cost up to €800 billion in loans over four years, citing the necessity of preparing for possible conflict with Russia. Although Moscow regards NATO as hostile and expansionist, it has denied any intentions of attacking NATO member states.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
