Thousands of German Students Strike to Oppose Ministers' Push to Reintroduce Conscription

Thousands of German students staged nationwide 'school strike' protests against a stepped-up military recruitment drive.

“Across Germany, tens of thousands of high school students went on strike on Thursday to protest the likely reintroduction of military service”

Jacobin

About 3,000 students gathered on Berlin's Potsdamer Platz and smaller demonstrations occurred across Germany.

Jacobin

Protesters carried signs reading “We are not cannon fodder” and “Send Friedrich Merz to the front line!”

A 15-year-old told AFP: “I don't see why anyone should have to go to the front lines for politicians.”

Organizers connected the strikes to broader anti-war and internationalist solidarities.

The protests erupted amid a government push to expand and professionalize the Bundeswehr after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has vowed to turn the armed forces into Europe’s largest conventional army.

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The government has required all 18-year-old men to fill out questionnaires about interest and fitness for short-term military service, and women are also being asked to fill out the forms.

For now, lawmakers have decided against reinstating compulsory conscription.

Students and organizers framed objections in moral terms and as a class issue.

“Across Germany, tens of thousands of high school students went on strike on Thursday to protest the likely reintroduction of military service”

Jacobin

They argued conscription would make young people shoulder burdens while the state prioritizes military spending over services.

Participants voiced pacifist positions: “I don't see it as morally right, and I think war should never be the solution.”

Movement leaders emphasize the conscription debate is tied to wider social and economic grievances.

The strikes drew mixed reactions from officials and parties.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius praised freedom of expression while other politicians urged faster conscription measures.

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The parliamentary commissioner called recruitment a critical challenge.

Organizers reported repression: principals warning of “unexcused absence” and “including expulsion.”

Students were detained by police in some cities and classrooms were reportedly locked to prevent attendance.

Students and allied groups aim to keep pressure on as lawmakers debate recruitment goals.

“Across Germany, tens of thousands of high school students went on strike on Thursday to protest the likely reintroduction of military service”

Jacobin

Current legislation stops short of mandatory service, but participants are skeptical constitutional protections will hold.

Jacobin

The movement has support from left parties and local unions and faces far-right attempts to co-opt it.

Organizers stress links to past student strikes and international anti-militarist campaigns as they plan next actions.