Poll: Germans don’t their defense minister statements and the voluntary military service
The coalition government on Wednesday approved a new reform of military service aimed at increasing the German army’s strength from the current 183,000 soldiers to 260,000 within a few years.
In this regard, the majority of Germans appears to be, not to believe the promises of Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
According to an INSA survey ,only 29% of respondents believe the Military Service Modernization Law will enable the military to attract a sufficient number of recruits, while 55% expressed doubts, and 16% said they didn’t know.
Remarkably, the highest level of support came from supporters of the government parties, with 36% of Union voters and 40% of Social Democratic Party voters expressing confidence in the reform.
In contrast, the lowest levels of approval were recorded among supporters of the Alternative for Germany party AfD (23%) and the Social Democratic Party BSW (20%).
The issue of reinstating compulsory military service, suspended since 2011, remains more controversial, with 50% of Germans supporting it, compared to 34% who oppose it, while the remainder are uninterested or have not expressed an opinion.
Compared to last month’s poll, the percentage of supporters decreased by two points 50 to 52%, while the percentage of opponents increased by two points 32 to 34%.
The highest support rates came from Union voters (60%), while among Left voters it didn’t exceed 25%.
The new law aims to make military service voluntary and flexible, with commitment periods starting at six months and extendable, in addition to improving salaries and benefits to increase attractiveness.
Starting January 1, 2026, all 18-year-olds will be required to complete an online questionnaire about interests, fitness, and abilities, while girls can participate voluntarily.
Those found fit will subsequently be called for a medical examination.
Starting July 1, 2027, compulsory testing will become mandatory for all males aged 18 and over.
