Survey: Majority of Germans would support conscription

A majority of Germans would support the mandatory conscription of men born from 2008 onwards, according to a survey commissioned by the Sunday edition of the Bild newspaper.

The survey, conducted by INSA, found 58% of respondents believe the introduction of nationwide conscription was the right thing to do, while 29% opposed it and 13% did not answer.

Earlier this week, Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition reached a hard-won compromise to boost the country's armed forces with a new voluntary military service programme, with plans in place for conscription if voluntary enlistment falls short.

However, 57% of respondents did not expect that enough volunteers would come forward to meet the personnel targets of the Bundeswehr, Germany's military. Only 25% think it would succeed, while 18% were undecided.

Personal willingness to perform military service remains low, with 31% willing to volunteer and 55% ruling it out.

The opinion research institute INSA interviewed 1,003 people for the survey between November 13 and 14.

Germany suspended compulsory military service in 2011, but it can be reinstated by a simple parliamentary majority, including in times of heightened tension or defence emergencies.

The country's Basic Law, or constitution, currently mandates service only for men; proposals to include women would require a constitutional amendment.