+++ Federal politics +++: Pistorius after protests – Need strong armed forces

After young people's protests against compulsory military service, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) emphasized the importance of a strong Bundeswehr. “If it is said at the demonstrations that we don’t want to go to the front and die in the war, then I can only say: We want exactly the same thing,” Pistorius told Funke media. “That’s precisely why we need strong armed forces that can act as a deterrent so that we don’t end up in the situation of having to fight anywhere.”

The law for a new military service came into force in January. The law provides for mandatory mustering of young men and the reintroduction of military registration. However, the principle of voluntary service still applies to military service. Starting this year, all young men and women born in 2008 receive a questionnaire that also asks about their motivation for military service. Men have to, women can answer this.