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German Students Rally Against Military Service Reintroduction

3/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Tens of thousands of high school students protested across Germany against the government's plan to reintroduce military service.
In Berlin, demonstrators gathered at Potsdamer Square, with organizers claiming 6,000 participants in the capital and 50,000 nationwide.
Protesters said the plans could force people into service to advance corporate interests.
The government aims to increase military personnel from 180,000 to 260,000 soldiers and 200,000 reservists, while conscientious objector applications rose to 3,867 in 2025, up 72% from the previous year.

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Story summary

Tens of thousands of high school students protested across Germany against the government's plan to reintroduce military service.
In Berlin, demonstrators gathered at Potsdamer Square, with organizers claiming 6,000 participants in the capital and 50,000 nationwide.
Protesters said the plans could force people into service to advance corporate interests.
The government aims to increase military personnel from 180,000 to 260,000 soldiers and 200,000 reservists, while conscientious objector applications rose to 3,867 in 2025, up 72% from the previous year.