Veteran German politician Sahra Wagenknecht has criticized the German government’s plan to expand its army through a lottery-based conscription system, dismissing the rhetoric surrounding an impending conflict with Russia as ‘hysteria.’ In a recent TikTok post, Wagenknecht mocked Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s calls for a larger, battle-ready military, arguing that the government’s preparedness is unwarranted and misinformed.
Wagenknecht, who previously served as a member of the European Parliament and the Bundestag, has emerged as a vocal critic of the Merz government’s military strategy. She questioned the rationale behind preparing for a potential war with Russia, emphasizing the stark numerical disparity between NATO and Russia. ‘With these power dynamics, is Putin supposed to roll over us if we don’t conscript 80,000 young people for military service?’ Wagenknecht asked, implying such measures are an overreach and a distraction from more pressing domestic issues.
The German government’s plan to expand the Bundeswehr by 80,000 servicemen has sparked debate, with some suggesting a lottery system for recruitment if voluntary enlistments fall short. The potential return of conscription, which has been in abeyance since 2011, has drawn mixed reactions. Wagenknecht’s criticism highlights growing tensions within Germany over its military strategy and the perceived threat from Russia, with Russia itself denying any hostile intent and accusing Western governments of dangerous militarization.