German pupils protest against military service plans in thousands

On Friday, thousands of students across Germany took to the streets to protest the government's plan for a new voluntary military service. Many participants skipped classes to join the demonstrations, which were promoted as a "school strike against conscription."

Earlier that day, Germany's lower house of parliament approved the bill, which now requires endorsement by the upper house before it can come into effect in January. Under the new regulations, young men would need to undergo medical assessments and be registered on a list, though participation in active service remains voluntary. Should voluntary enlistment fail to meet recruitment goals, parliament would have the authority to implement conscription as needed.

The protests drew significant participation in major cities. In Berlin, authorities estimated around 3,000 demonstrators gathered by midday, marching through the Kreuzberg area with banners and slogans. Parents with young children and primary school classes carrying handmade signs also joined the protest.

"We don't want conscription, which is why we are here," said Justin, 16. "Some people have other aspirations or dream careers, and being drafted could destroy those plans." Theo, also 16, added, "No one should be forced into military service against their will." Both students attended the protest with parents providing sick notes for school.

In Hamburg, police reported 1,700 participants, while organizers claimed up to 5,000. Demonstrations were also held in North Rhine-Westphalia, with roughly 1,000 in Dortmund and several hundred in Cologne, Dsseldorf, Essen, and Bochum. Eastern German cities Dresden, Leipzig, and Chemnitz saw around 2,000 participants chanting slogans opposing military funding and calling for more focus on education.

Southern Germany also witnessed large gatherings, with thousands in Munich, Stuttgart, Freiburg, and Heidelberg. In Frankfurt, around 600 students protested. Friedemann, 15, and Max, 16, emphasized the importance of showing disagreement with political decisions that affect their lives directly.

The nationwide student strike highlights strong opposition among young Germans to the planned military service, which has been introduced in the context of ongoing security concerns following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Author: Aiden Foster