Merz says Germany may need to restore compulsory military service

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the country could return to compulsory military service. He was speaking at the CDU/CSU youth organisation's Deutschlandtag gathering in Bonn, RIA Novosti reported.

Merz recalled that restoring conscription is part of his party's basic programme. He said there was a growing sense that such an obligation would be necessary. He also expressed confidence that a substantial share of young men and women would be willing to serve society.

Germany's new service model took effect on January 1 and retains voluntary enlistment. Military registration is compulsory for 18-year-old men. The Bundeswehr explains that this model does not restore the general conscription suspended in 2011.