(de-news.net) – German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) has firmly rejected allegations that he is obstructing the cross-party agreement between the SPD and CDU/CSU concerning a proposed tiered model for military service. In an interview with Tagesspiegel, Pistorius responded to criticism from CDU deputy parliamentary leader Norbert Röttgen, asserting that he was “neither destructive nor obstructive.” He emphasized that his concerns stem from substantive changes made to key provisions of his legislative draft prior to its formal introduction in the Bundestag.
Pistorius underscored two pivotal issues that, in his view, require urgent attention during the parliamentary process. First, he criticized the inefficiency of requiring the Bundeswehr to actively recruit from a pool of randomly selected young men, arguing that such a mechanism would significantly slow down mobilization efforts. Second, he stressed the importance of implementing comprehensive medical screenings for conscripts starting in 2027 — a measure omitted in the current compromise. Limiting examinations to only a few thousand individuals, he warned, would leave the armed forces inadequately informed about the physical fitness of potential recruits and compromise operational readiness in the event of a national emergency.
SPD foreign policy spokesman Ralf Stegner sought to minimize suggestions of a serious rift within the governing coalition. He characterized the ongoing revisions to the draft legislation as part of the normal legislative process, noting that adjustments to language and structure are common during consultations and hearings.
At the heart of the debate lies a fundamental disagreement over the future direction of conscription policy: whether to maintain a voluntary recruitment model or reintroduce mandatory service. While the federal cabinet agreed in August to prioritize voluntary enlistment, the CDU/CSU has insisted on the inclusion of a contingency mechanism to ensure sufficient personnel levels. In response, negotiators from both parties have proposed a lottery-based selection system to address potential shortfalls in volunteer numbers. Despite the ongoing dispute, both sides have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the legislative proposal. The draft bill is scheduled to be presented to the Bundestag for deliberation, with the aim of reaching a workable and broadly supported framework for military service reform.
