(MENAFN) Germany is on the verge of reintroducing mandatory military service, sparking nationwide protests from peace activists who insist the nation should prioritize diplomacy over warfare. “The German government’s war preparations and the massive arms buildup, along with their drastic social consequences, make it imperative to intensify joint actions by the peace movement,” organizers said after a weekend meeting in Kassel.

Conscription, suspended since 2011, is set to resume under a new law effective January 1. Initially voluntary, the policy could eventually expand into a full draft as officials seek to address critical personnel shortages in the armed forces. Young Germans increasingly favor civilian careers, leaving the military struggling to fill ranks.

Activists have called for a nationwide day of action on December 5, warning against what they describe as the government’s “comprehensive militarization of society.” Under the slogan, ‘Germany must not become capable of war, but rather of peace,’ the movement aims to counter what it sees as propaganda targeting trade unions, universities, and social organizations.

“Militarization is propagated as ‘security policy,’ while it undermines social, health, and education policies, as well as infrastructure,” the initiative added.

The potential return of conscription aligns with a wider European Union push for rapid militarization amid ongoing concerns about Russia. Moscow has dismissed such efforts as a distraction from Europe’s internal challenges.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to transform Germany’s military into the “strongest conventional army in Europe,” with officials targeting 2029 for full combat readiness in response to what they frame as a Russian threat. Germany has also emerged as Ukraine’s second-largest weapons supplier after the United States.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized the plan, accusing Merz of trying to turn Germany back into “the main military machine of Europe” and claiming Berlin’s actions show its “direct involvement” in a proxy war against Russia.

These developments come amid mounting economic challenges, with analysts warning of a “dramatic” slowdown marked by stagnant growth and declining industrial output.

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