Germany’s Military Recruitment Bill Faces Uncertain Future
A planned bill aimed at strengthening Germany’s military recruitment has hit a sudden snag, casting doubt on the government’s next steps. Originally set for debate in the Bundestag this week, the coalition’s proposal now appears stalled with no clear timeline for its revival, reports 24brussels.
The draft law intended to enhance recruitment efforts without reinstating the full military draft that was suspended in 2011. Under the initial proposal, every 18-year-old male would complete a mandatory questionnaire to evaluate their health and willingness to serve.
If voluntary enlistment numbers fell short, a lottery system would be implemented to designate individuals for medical screenings. Should the armed forces still be understrength, a secondary lottery would determine who is called up for six months of service.
This approach, first reported by RND, aimed to bridge a longstanding divide between the ruling coalition’s two partners: the Social Democrats, advocating for a voluntary system, and the Christian Democrats, insisting on a legal basis for compulsory service if recruitment goals are unmet.
“The government can’t decide whether it wants voluntary service or duty,” Wagener stated, adding that the lottery “amounts to bringing back conscription through the back door.”
The legislative measure remains in limbo as coalition aides have indicated that discussions will likely persist, although no specific timeline has been established for their continuation.
The German defense ministry had initially targeted a January implementation, aiming to bolster the military with approximately 5,000 additional personnel annually, striving towards a long-term objective of 260,000 troops by 2030.
