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Young people in Hesse in protest: compulsory military service is causing an uproar!
On December 6, 2025, young people in Friedberg and other cities protested against the planned conscription, worried about the future.
Young people in Hesse in protest: compulsory military service is causing an uproar!
On Friday, the Bundestag passed a fundamental new regulation of military service, which is causing excitement and protests in Germany. The law, which is due to come into force on January 1, 2026, stipulates that military service will remain voluntary for the time being. However, if it turns out that not enough volunteers can be found for military service, conscription could be reintroduced. This was promptly met with resistance, as recent demonstrations across Hesse show.
Today thousands of people took to the streets in Hesse to protest against the new military service. Over 1,200 participants gathered in Kassel, while around 600 students raised their voices in Frankfurt. Similar protests also took place in Friedberg and Wiesbaden, with around 100 people taking part in each. The motto of the demonstration was clear: “We don't want to end up as cannon fodder,” and many young people expressed their concerns and fears about the possible revival of conscription.
The background to the protest
The debate about compulsory military service has been accentuated by the associated social and security policy changes that have occurred since compulsory military service was suspended in 2011. In view of geopolitical tensions in Europe, particularly due to Russian pressure, the federal government has presented a plan to increase troop numbers from the current 184,000 to up to 270,000 soldiers by 2035. This is happening as part of a long-term realignment of the Bundeswehr, which now also includes recruiting around 200,000 reservists to cover military needs.
The new military service stipulates that all men born after January 1, 2008 will be asked to enlist from 2027. A questionnaire is sent to all 18-year-olds, which men must fill out, while women can do so voluntarily. These measures were perceived by many as an additional burden. daily news quotes young people who don't feel heard by politicians.
Reactions and warnings
Teachers' unions have expressed concern about students' participation in the protests. The German Teachers' Association pointed out that school strikes during school hours are not legally recognized and that students are not employees. Nevertheless, the young people seem determined to make their voices heard and to represent their points of view. The protest movement was organized by various youth organizations and found resonance in around 90 cities nationwide.
The political agreement between the Union and the SPD to introduce the new military service has significant effects on Germany's security policy landscape the DInstitut explained. However, there are also critical voices that warn of the increasing militarization of society and fear that young people will be overwhelmed. One young man, Jan, considers the draft to be a nuanced issue, while others like Justin Mehling, 25, emphasize the benefits of military service and support involvement in the Bundeswehr.
The difficulties in recruiting and the attractiveness of the service are central themes in this discussion. The monthly gross salary of around 2,600 euros and subsidies for driving licenses are intended to provide incentives for applications, but skepticism remains. Pressure for reform will increase as Germany tries to balance historical restraint with changing security policy requirements.