Germany plans to expand civil service as the number of those refusing military service increases
Germany is preparing for a potential increase in the number of those refusing to perform military service as the government advances in implementing a comprehensive reform of the mandatory service system. The Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, led by Karin Prien from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), announced on Monday that the ministry expects a significant increase in the number of young people who will refuse to perform mandatory military service.
Breen said in Berlin that it is her ministry's responsibility to ensure sufficient options for those who choose not to serve in the military. She added: "Alternative service has become a real issue again – after being absent for many years," pointing out that the ministry has already begun preparing to handle the expected increase in requests for civil service.
Brein explained that her ministry is currently working on expanding volunteer and community service programs to accommodate those who choose non-military service. She also expressed her support for her party's proposal to establish a mandatory year of community service for both men and women, which can be spent either in the German army (Bundeswehr) or within civil institutions.
For his part, Chancellor Friedrich Merz supported the idea during an interview with ARD on Sunday evening, stating that this step could enhance the spirit of participation and social responsibility among German youth.
The Secretary General of the CDU party, Carsten Linnemann, confirmed the party's commitment to the initiative, explaining that the party's general conference had already approved the decision. He said: "This is the position of the Christian Democratic Union, and it will remain so." This step shows an increasing political consensus that military and civilian service together can play a pivotal role in enhancing the resilience of society and the state in Germany.