Germany Reaches Compromise on Potential Conscription: Lottery System Proposed for Military Muster
berlin – Germany’s governing coalition has reportedly reached a compromise regarding potential compulsory military service, agreeing to a lottery system to determine who undergoes the mandatory muster process. The agreement, reached between the Union (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), addresses concerns over fairness and practicality as the country considers bolstering its defense capabilities.
The proposed system aims to balance the need for increased personnel with potential public resistance to a full-scale return to conscription. Currently, Denmark employs a similar lottery process where conscription applies to all citizens, but only approximately 20% are ultimately drafted. The German plan, as outlined in a draft bill approved by the cabinet, would allow the goverment – with Bundestag approval – to initiate conscription only if “the defense policy situation absolutely requires a rapid increase in numbers that cannot be achieved on a voluntary basis.”
The CDU and CSU had previously pushed for a more firmly established mandatory mechanism within existing law, rather than relying on uncertain future conditions. Coalition factions are scheduled to discuss the compromise on Tuesday, with a public announcement expected Wednesday and a first reading in the Bundestag planned for Thursday. It remains unclear whether Defense Minister Boris Pistorius agrees with the plan,as reports indicate he does not believe his initial draft law requires revision.
