Germany: 45,000 students protest against military service reform

Over 45,000 students have participated in widespread protests across approximately 100 German cities, including Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Kiel, and Munich. The demonstrations, organized by the alliance ‘Schulstreik gegen Wehrpflicht’ (School Strike Against Compulsory Military Service), aim to oppose government plans led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz to reform military service.

While active service in the German army remains voluntary, protesters fear that new registration procedures and mandatory medical examinations for those born in 2008 and later are precursors to the gradual reintroduction of compulsory conscription. Movement spokesperson Bela Breitner noted that the registration process has begun earlier than the previously anticipated July 2027 timeline.

Protesters have used slogans such as ‘We will not participate in your wars’ and ‘The wealthy want war, the youth want a future’ to voice their opposition to defense policies they believe threaten the autonomy of younger generations.