German president backs compulsory military service amid defence push

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has spoken out in favour of introducing a new form of compulsory military service to boost the country’s armed forces.

Germany suspended conscription in 2011 but it remains enshrined in Germany’s de facto constitution, the Basic Law, and can be reintroduced with a simple majority in parliament.

A debate on conscription is now necessary, Steinmeier told the ZDF public broadcaster in an interview set to air on Sunday evening.

“I am in favour of compulsory military service,” the president reiterated. He justified his position with Europe’s changing security situation, Russia’s war in Ukraine and the US administration’s attitude towards trans-Atlantic relations.

Steinmeier said Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is right to seek to make joining the German armed forces, or Bundeswehr, more attractive.

But, he said, no one knows whether that will be enough. “That is why we now need a debate on conscription, even if we cannot implement it overnight,” he added.

General compulsory service, applying also to women, would however require an amendment to the Basic Law.

The German government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz has committed to seeking voluntary military service as part of its coalition agreement.

Pistorius plans to start with 15,000 new voluntary conscripts. A new law presented by the defence minister allows for compulsory military service to be reinstated if a state of defence is declared.