Thousands of students skipped classes in Berlin on Thursday, March 5th to participate in protests against Germany’s growing military recruitment campaign, amid concerns that future defence policies could lead toward some form of conscription. Around 3,000 teenagers gathered at Potsdamer Platz as part of a nationwide “school strike” movement opposing military recruitment efforts. Smaller demonstrations were also reported across Germany. Protesters voiced strong opposition to the idea of compulsory military service.
The German government has increased efforts to strengthen the country’s armed forces. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to build the Bundeswehr into Europe’s largest conventional army, initially relying on voluntary recruitment. Authorities have begun asking all 18-year-olds to complete questionnaires about potential military service interest and physical fitness. Women are also asked to participate in the survey but cannot be forced into service under current German law. Among the signs being waved by protesters in Berlin was a poster that read “We are not cannon fodder” while another demanded: “Send Friedrich Merz to the front line!”
