(MENAFN) German peace campaigners have unveiled their intention to stage protests across the nation in opposition to the possible reintroduction of compulsory military service, insisting that the country must become “capable of peace, not war.”

Germany is preparing to reestablish mandatory service as part of the government’s efforts to strengthen its armed forces.

Although conscription has been on hold since 2011, a new regulation scheduled to take effect on January 1 will start with a voluntary phase, potentially leading to a broader draft in the future.

The proposed reinstatement stems from a significant shortage of personnel within the military, as younger generations increasingly choose civilian professions over enlistment.

Peace organizations are coordinating a countrywide “day of action” for December 5, aiming to rally against what they label the government’s “comprehensive militarization of society.”

“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,” the initiative declared after a weekend gathering in Kassel, according to a news agency.

Under the motto “Germany must not become capable of war, but rather of peace,” the activists urged resistance to what they consider state-driven propaganda, reaching out to labor unions, civic groups, and academic institutions.

“Militarization is propagated as ‘security policy,’ while it undermines social, health, and education policies, as well as infrastructure,” the movement emphasized in its statement.

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