Students Strike Across Germany in Protest Against Military Service

Thousands of students across Germany took to the streets on Friday, September 25, protesting plans that could lead to the return of compulsory military service. Around 100 demonstrations were announced nationwide by the “School Strike Against Conscription” initiative. The protests come after Germany introduced a new military-service framework in January 2026. Under the system, men turning 18 are required to complete a questionnaire, while medical examinations are being introduced for eligible young men. Although military service remains voluntary for now, the Bundestag could decide on compulsory service if voluntary recruitment fails to meet the armed forces’ personnel requirements. Organisers say they oppose mandatory medical examinations and what they view as a gradual move towards conscription. Reports said more than 45,000 students skipped classes across over 100 cities on Friday