German Students Stage Nationwide Protests Against Conscription

• On September 25, 45,000 students across 100 German cities, including Berlin and Frankfurt, struck against the government's military service policies.
• The coalition “Schulstreik gegen Wehrpflicht” has scheduled a follow-up protest for November 20.
• Protesters demand the repeal of the military service modernization law and an immediate halt to mandatory medical exams for those born in 2008 or later.

Government Strategy and Student Concerns

• The government aims to reach a force size of 260,000 soldiers; however, only 530 youth have volunteered to enlist so far.
• Authorities plan to expand mandatory medical screenings to address the recruitment shortfall.
• Reports indicate that some youth who explicitly opted out of military service in questionnaires have still been summoned for exams.
• While enlistment remains voluntary until 2027, the government may implement a lottery system to compel service if recruitment targets are not met.