The co-chair of the Left, Jan van Aken, has that Law on the new military service approved by the Federal Council criticized. This also created the legal basis for the controversial lottery procedure and a mandatory service, van Aken told the Editorial Network Germany. “The lottery process is a done deal.”
The “unpleasant truth” is that trained soldiers also have to fight in the event of war. “Initially only the muster is compulsory, later there will be compulsory military service with a lottery system,” said the left-wing leader. “And then suddenly it’s time to go to the front!”
From the decision about the new one Military service he was “very emotionally touched,” said van Aken. Although there is the right to refuse military service in Germany, not everyone affected can make use of this at any time. According to Van Aken, “quite a few applications for conscientious objection” are still rejected today.
“Conscription through the back door”
Previously had too Ines Schwerdtnerthe second chairwoman of the Left, described compulsory military service as the “first step towards conscription through the back door”.. Schwerdtner said on ARD that it was already clear that not enough volunteers would sign up for the Bundeswehr.
The Federal Council had on Friday the plans of Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) to reintroduce military registration and compulsory muster for entire years approved. Pistorius’ goal is to significantly increase the number of personnel in the Bundeswehr. If the desired personnel goals are achieved – which is considered uncertain – the decision to do military service should remain voluntary. Otherwise there could be compulsory service.
It is intended that in future all 18-year-old Germans will receive a questionnaire on motivation and suitability for the Bundeswehr. It will start next year with the 2008 vintage. Men have to fill out the questionnaire and go to the muster, for women both are voluntary. The law could come into force on January 1st, provided it is signed by the Federal President.
