An old debate is revived: Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier advocates compulsory service for young people in Germany. A conversion of the Cold War classic is likely to be complicated, but could alleviate a few problems.
“conscription” he does not want to name his proposal, but it would ultimately come down to this: Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier advocated the introduction of a “mandatory time” pronounced for young men and women in Germany.
In an interview with the “picture on sunday” said the head of state: “But what we are currently experiencing is a growing understanding that people are committed to the community for a certain amount of time, that they are committed. Politicians should take that up. I know it won’t be easy, but I would like us to have a debate about mandatory social time.”
Frank-Walter Steinmeier wishes “mandatory time”
According to Steinmeier’s ideas, this should be able to be done in the Bundeswehr, but also in the care of seniors, in facilities for the disabled or in shelters for the homeless. “Especially now, at a time when understanding for other life plans and opinions is decreasing, a social commitment can be particularly valuable. You get out of your own bubble, meet completely different people, help citizens in need. This breaks down prejudices and strengthens community spirit”said the Federal President.
What he didn’t say: introducing compulsory service would simultaneously reduce two problems at relatively low cost. The shortage of personnel in the social sector and the difficulties of the Bundeswehr in finding suitable young people.
How long the “mandatory time” should be according to his considerations, Steinmeier left open: “It doesn’t have to be a year.” In any case, the Federal President has no choice but to start a discussion on the question of compulsory service. The reintroduction of conscription in the form practiced until 2011 would be relatively easy – but Steinmeier’s proposal for a general term of service might require an amendment to the Basic Law. Because the constitution so far only provides for the conscription of men for military or civilian service.
The first rejection of Steinmeier’s idea followed promptly from the federal government. “Compulsory social service would mean an encroachment on the individual freedom of every young person”explained Federal Family Minister Lisa Paus (Greens). “We should continue to give our young people, who have suffered particularly badly from the corona pandemic and still shown solidarity with their elders, the freedom to make their own decisions.” A mandatory service for young people in Germany is also not provided for in the traffic light coalition agreement.
Conscription suspended in Germany since 2011
Conscription in the Federal Republic has existed for all men over the age of 18 since 1956 (in the GDR from 1962 onwards). In 2011 – two decades after the end of the Cold War – it was suspended by the then federal government, but not abolished. After basic military service lasted 18 months in the 1960s and 1970s, it was progressively shortened to the last six months. Anyone who was not decommissioned and refused military service with a weapon for reasons of conscience was obliged to do alternative service, for example civilian service in social institutions or with aid organizations. From 1957 to 2011, around 8.4 million men did their military service (excluding GDR) and around 2.7 million did civilian service.
Since 2011, the Federal Volunteer Service has been open to people who want to get involved socially or ecologically. The Bundeswehr offers voluntary military service. However, only a fraction of young people who would be obliged to do military or alternative service take advantage of both offers.
Sources: (paid content), , , AFP news agency
Source: Stern
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