Germany: Thousands of Students Strike Against New Military Service Law.

According to ТСН: Thousands of young people in Germany took to the streets protesting against a new military service law passed by the Bundestag. Demonstrations occurred across the country during the final debates and voting in parliament.

According to reporters, protest actions similar to climate strikes took place during school hours in nearly 90 cities. Participants opposed the government’s objectives aimed at 'combat readiness' and called for a reallocation of budget funds.

‘I want the state to create a special fund for education, not for weapons,’ said one student in Magdeburg.

According to media reports, the largest protests were held in major cities. In Berlin, police registered about 3000 participants, while organizers claimed the figure was 7000. People, including parents and younger students, shouted slogans against mandatory military service.

In Hamburg, about 1700 people attended the rally, although organizers counted as many as 5000. In Dortmund, around 1000 people protested, and hundreds also participated in rallies in Cologne, Düsseldorf, Essen, and Bochum.

Despite the call from the Federal Student Conference to free students to participate in the protests, many educational institutions refused to cooperate.

‘Anyone who goes to the demonstration during school time will be considered absent without a valid reason,’ reported Christina Reiche, spokesperson for the Protestant Schools Fund in Berlin and Brandenburg.

She added that such actions are considered truancy.

About the New Law

The adopted law requires young men aged 18 and over to fill out a questionnaire starting next year. Although military service will remain voluntary, and the right to refuse is preserved, protests are still held under the slogan ‘School Strike Against Military Duty’.

The German Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius did not criticize the strikes, calling them 'wonderful' and noting that they reflect the interest and commitment of students.

It should be noted that Germany is actively discussing its readiness for war and is preparing a large-scale secret plan in case of a conflict with Russia. Meanwhile, a special report from the Bundeswehr showed for the first time that the healthcare system is only partially prepared.