Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder expressed deep dissatisfaction with the government's plans to increase the number of volunteers in the armed forces, insisting that only mandatory military service can provide the country with the necessary security.
Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder has sharply criticized government initiatives aimed at increasing the number of volunteers in the armed forces. He is convinced that the only truly effective solution for Germany is the immediate reintroduction of mandatory military service. The politician stated this in an interview with Bild.
Disagreements on the Issue of Military Service
The German government, which includes Söder's party, the CSU, has yet to reach a consensus on the return of military service. It is worth noting that mandatory military service was abolished in 2011 during Chancellor Angela Merkel's tenure.
Currently, measures are in place that allow for voluntary military service. Additionally, the government has decided to send questionnaires to all 18-year-old men, who are required to fill them out and return them.
However, authorities have already indicated that if the number of volunteers does not reach the desired level, mandatory military service may still be reintroduced. Söder emphasized his position: "For us, it is very clear: if the Bundeswehr is to become the largest army in Europe, then mandatory military service is essential."
Arguments for Mandatory Service
According to the Bavarian Prime Minister, relying solely on volunteers is insufficient to ensure national security. He stated: "We cannot provide the necessary security that our country needs with just volunteers. And security is a prerequisite for freedom."
Markus Söder insists that mandatory military service should be introduced in Germany as soon as possible. His position aligns with the ambitious plans of Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
Strategic Goals of the Bundeswehr
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius aims to significantly increase the number of active military personnel from 70,000 to 200,000. On April 22, Pistorius presented the first military strategy in the history of the Bundeswehr.
This strategy aims to transform the German army into the strongest in Europe. Such measures are being taken against the backdrop of increasing threats from Russia, making the issue of defense capability particularly relevant.
