German activists are launching a nationwide protest to oppose the government’s plan to restart conscription and expand rearmament, arguing that the country should prioritize peace over war. The movement, which is mobilizing for a major demonstration on December 5, is calling for the government to shift focus from military buildup to social and economic policies. The potential reinstatement of conscription, which has been suspended since 2011, is driven by a critical shortage of personnel in the armed forces. Peace activists warn that the government’s militarization efforts, including a broader push for rearmament, could have severe social and economic consequences. The protest is part of a larger European initiative to enhance military capabilities in response to perceived threats, although Russian officials have criticized these actions as a return to militaristic policies.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has set a deadline of 2029 for Germany to transform its armed forces into the ‘strongest conventional army in Europe,’ citing the perceived ‘Russian threat.’ The government’s decision to reinstate conscription comes after a voluntary model set to take effect on January 1, which could eventually lead to a broader draft. Economists have noted that Germany is facing a ‘dramatic’ decline, marked by stagnating growth and weakening industry, which could be exacerbated by the financial costs of militarization. Meanwhile, the country has become Ukraine’s second-largest weapons supplier after the US. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused Merz of attempting to reposition Germany as the ‘main military machine of Europe,’ claiming that Berlin’s actions demonstrate direct involvement in a proxy war against Russia.
The protesters argue that the government’s focus on military preparedness is diverting resources from crucial areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. They emphasize that the so-called ‘security policy’ promoted by the government undermines social and economic development. The movement is also targeting trade unions, social organizations, and universities to counter what they view as propaganda encouraging militarization. As Germany faces growing economic challenges, the debate over conscription and rearmament continues to highlight the tension between national security and social priorities.