Story perspectives

Thousands March; Germany Considers Reinstating Conscription

5/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

On May 8, protesters marched from the Brandenburg Gate to Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s CDU headquarters in Berlin against mandatory military service.
Police recorded about 1,200 demonstrators in Berlin and 2,300 in Hamburg, while organizers claimed roughly 5,000 and 6,000 respectively.
After a March strike by about 50,000 young people in roughly 150 cities, Germany, which reintroduced a voluntary military service on Jan 1, may reinstate compulsory service if recruitment targets are missed.

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Story summary

On May 8, protesters marched from the Brandenburg Gate to Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s CDU headquarters in Berlin against mandatory military service.
Police recorded about 1,200 demonstrators in Berlin and 2,300 in Hamburg, while organizers claimed roughly 5,000 and 6,000 respectively.
After a March strike by about 50,000 young people in roughly 150 cities, Germany, which reintroduced a voluntary military service on Jan 1, may reinstate compulsory service if recruitment targets are missed.