Poll: Majority of Germans support voluntary military service plan

A majority of Germans would support a voluntary military service programme, according to a survey commissioned by dpa.

Earlier this month, Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition agreed on a reform of military service that will initially be based on voluntary participation.

Under the plan, all 18-year-old men are to fill out questionnaires and appear for their conscription medical examination.

The survey, conducted by YouGov, found 62% of respondents backed that model, while 31% opposed it and 7% did not answer.

Those surveyed by YouGov were more sceptical of conscription if voluntary enlistment falls short. The survey found 53% thought that plan was "completely" or "somewhat" appropriate, while 37% said it was "completely" or "somewhat" inappropriate and 10% did not know or did not answer.

YouGov interviewed 2,387 people between November 14 and 18. The results carry a statistical margin of error of between 0.87 and 2.01 percentage points.

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.