Press
Defense Minister Pistorius (SPD) has a “soft spot” for the Swedish military service model. But is that why it also happens in Germany?
Berlin – Could Germany soon introduce compulsory military service along the lines of Sweden? Boris Pistorius, the SPD's defense minister, has now reacted to a corresponding article – with a mixture of agreement and disagreement. “I have never made a secret of the fact that I have a soft spot for a Swedish model,” he said during a press conference in Berlin on Tuesday (March 5).
Previously had The mirror reports that Pistorius has instructed his ministry to “present options for a German military service model by April 1st that will make a scalable contribution to national resilience in a threat-adapted manner, even in the short term.” The news magazine further quoted from an internal document that was available to it: “The Federal Minister intends to make a decision on compulsory military service during this legislative period.” Reference was also made to Pistorius' trip to Scandinavia, which began this Tuesday (March 5).
Pistorius reacted humorously to the report: “The Mirror is usually well informed. In that case he seems to be better informed than me.” However, he emphasized that no final decision has been made: “I haven't made a preliminary decision yet. We are now checking the models. There is no decision yet because we all know that I need a political majority for this.”
Pistorius is examining conscription models for the Bundeswehr – “There is no decision yet”
Given a staff shortage in the armed forces Pistorius has various models of compulsory service examined, including the model practiced in Sweden. “All young women and men are mustered there, and only a select few of them end up doing basic military service. Whether something like this would also be conceivable here is part of these considerations,” the SPD politician explained in an interview with Welt am Sonntag in December.
Pistorius continues to plan his conscription comeback
With the Reintroduction of compulsory military service However, the problem of “military justice” could arise. According to a ruling by the Constitutional Court from the time of compulsory military service in Germany, “if possible all available conscripts” and not just a small number should be drafted The mirror.
In July 2011, compulsory military service in Germany was suspended after 55 years by the then Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (CSU). This amounted to an abolition of military and community service. Pistorius described the suspension of compulsory military service in an interview with Editorial network Germany as a “mistake”, especially because “it is no longer clear to many people why soldiers protect our country and therefore all of us”.
At the appointment, Pistorius also commented on the background to the Taurus leaks and their consequences. (frs)
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