German SPD backs new voluntary military service despite President Steinmeier's doubts

The SPD Bundestag faction affirmed its support for the government’s newly introduced voluntary military service, rejecting President Frank‑Walter Steinmeier’s expressed doubts about its ability to meet the Bundeswehr’s recruitment needs. Deputy SPD group chair Siemtje Möller told T‑Online that the recruitment pathway is clear, questionnaires have been sent since January and the first volunteers are already in training, with the defence minister set to report progress to parliament each summer.

President Steinmeier, speaking in a podcast, said he doubts that a voluntary system alone will provide enough soldiers and warned that the debate over reinstating conscription could re‑emerge. The AfD’s defence spokesman Jan Nolte and Left Party leader Jan van Aken criticised the plan, suggesting it may be a covert step toward a general draft and urged the government to focus on jobs, affordable housing and future prospects for young people.