Bavarian Students Mobilize in Protest Against New Military Service Law Ahead of Bundestag Vote

In Bavaria, students are actively organizing protests against the upcoming military service law, ahead of the Bundestag's planned vote. Demonstrations are scheduled for December 5 in major cities such as Munich, Nuremberg, and Augsburg, as well as in smaller towns including Landshut and Rosenheim. Students assert their opposition with statements like, "We do not want to be locked up in barracks for half a year, trained in discipline and obedience, and learn to kill. War is not a future perspective and destroys our livelihood." The educational union GEW supports these protests, emphasizing the importance of democratic engagement by young people. Martina Borgendale, GEW’s state chairperson, advocates for teachers and school administrations to back the students in raising critical questions about legislation impacting their futures. In contrast, the Bavarian Ministry of Education stresses that school attendance is mandatory, and political demonstrations are not permitted during school hours, including the day of protests. The new law seeks to reinstate widespread conscription with a "Bedarfswehrpflicht"—a needs-based compulsory service that could involve random conscription if volunteer enlistment is insufficient. From 2026, young men born in 2008 will be subject to conscription, and both young men and women will receive government questionnaires. Military conscription, suspended since 2011, remains constitutionally enshrined. These developments come amid concerns over security and troop increases in response to evolving geopolitical threats.