Thousands protest in Berlin against new German military conscription bill

"The military service bill sets ambitious expansion goals for the Bundeswehr, as Germany's armed forces are known, with a target of up to 260,000 active soldiers up from 183,000 currently and 200,000 reservists by 2035. It introduces a dual-track system to boost recruits: a more lucrative voluntary service intended to attract young recruits, but if enlistment falls short, lawmakers can now activate needs-based conscription. To do so, the politicians would be required to hold a Bundestag vote. If more people are eligible for conscription than needed, recruits may be randomly selected."

"Tess Datzer, an 18-year-old protester in the German capital, said she felt it was unfair for her generation to have to go to war for a country that does little for us. There is no investment in our pensions, not in our future, not in the climate. I don't see any good reasons why our generation should have to go to war, she told the AFP news agency."

"Protest organiser Ronja Ruh said an unbelievable amount of money is being spent on the military and armament in Germany, while funds are lacking in basic public services. When we look at schools in particular, there is outdated technology, far too few teachers, dilapidated school buildings, she said."

Germany's parliament approved a controversial conscription law to expand the Bundeswehr to a target of up to 260,000 active soldiers and 200,000 reservists by 2035. The bill creates a dual-track recruitment system with a more lucrative voluntary service and needs-based conscription that can be activated by a Bundestag vote if voluntary enlistment falls short, with random selection possible if eligibility exceeds requirements. About 3,000 people protested in Berlin citing underinvestment in pensions, climate, schools and basic public services while military spending rises. All men born after January 1, 2008 will undergo medical evaluation under the new measures. The move follows NATO pledges to increase defence spending amid fears Russia's war in Ukraine could spread.

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