BERLIN, Nov 16: Most Germans would support the mandatory conscription of men born from 2008 onwards, according to a survey commissioned by the Sunday edition of the Bild newspaper.
The opinion research institute INSA interviewed 1,003 people for the survey between Nov 13 and 14.
The survey found 58 per cent of respondents believe the introduction of nationwide conscription was the right thing to do, while 29 per cent opposed it and 13 per cent did not answer.
Earlier this week, Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s coalition reached a hard-won compromise to boost the country’s armed forces with a new voluntary military service programme, with plans in place for conscription if voluntary enlistment falls short.
However, 57 per cent of respondents did not expect that enough volunteers would come forward to meet the personnel targets of the Bundeswehr, Germany’s military. Only 25 per cent think it would succeed, while 18 per cent were undecided.
Personal willingness to perform military service remains low, with 31 per cent willing to volunteer and 55 per cent ruling it out.
Germany suspended compulsory military service in 2011, but it can be reinstated by a simple parliamentary majority, including in times of heightened tension or defence emergencies.
The country’s Basic Law, or constitution, currently mandates service only for men; proposals to include women would require a constitutional amendment.
— BERNAMA-dpa