German Students Protest Against Reintroduced Military Service

Tens of thousands of German high school students across the country protested on Thursday, March 5, 2026, against the reintroduction of compulsory military service, with demonstrations taking place in over 130 towns and cities. The protests reflect growing opposition to a new military service law enacted in December 2025.

New Military Service Law and Conscription Concerns

The German government’s new law mandates that all 18-year-olds receive questionnaires this year regarding their motivation and suitability for military service, and to inform them about volunteering for the Bundeswehr. Responding to these questionnaires is mandatory for men. While the initial phase focuses on encouraging voluntary service, the government has indicated that full conscription may be reintroduced if volunteer targets are not met.

Protest Details and Student Concerns

In Berlin, police estimated around 3,000 participants, while organizers claimed a turnout of 6,000 in the capital and a total of 50,000 protesters nationwide. Students gathered in Berlin’s Potsdamer Square and marched through the city to voice their opposition.

Protesters expressed concerns about being compelled to fight in conflicts that primarily benefit corporations like Rheinmetall and ThyssenKrupp. “I don’t feel I’ll be dying for my friends, relatives or acquaintances, in the worst-case scenario,” said 17-year-old Shmuel Schatz, spokesperson for the School Strike Committee, to Deutsche Welle (DW). “Rather, only for those who are put into the trenches for the interests of large corporations…so they can line their pockets at the expense of war.”

Another protester, 19-year-old Kiran Schürmann, argued against forced military service, stating, “People who go there voluntarily can fight for this, even if that does have its problems. But people should not be forced. Coercion is never a solution.”

Government’s Rationale and Military Expansion Plans

The move to reintroduce military service comes as Germany seeks to expand its armed forces in response to the security challenges posed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and broader geopolitical tensions. The government aims to increase the size of the Bundeswehr to approximately 260,000 soldiers, up from the current 180,000, and to establish a reserve force of around 200,000.

Growing Opposition and Future Outlook

The nationwide student protests highlight the significant opposition to the reintroduction of military service and conscription in Germany. The government’s success in attracting volunteers will determine whether it proceeds with plans for full conscription, a move that continues to spark debate and resistance among young Germans.