Friedrich Merz expects Germany to reintroduce mandatory military service in the near future

Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, stated that he expects Germany to implement a mandatory military service in the future, although initially it could be on a voluntary basis. In the context of a NATO requirement to have a force of 260,000 soldiers, Germany is facing a deficit of 80,000 active soldiers. The current proposal aims at voluntary recruitment, but critics among conservatives warn that mandatory recruitment cannot be avoided. Merz also highlighted the threats posed by Russian drones, assuring the public that no incidents with armed drones have been reported.