Military Service: Discussions on Pistorius's Proposals Among the Greens

The Greens have shown openness to a discussion about the recent proposals by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) on the reform of military service. Party leader Omid Nouripour emphasized to the German Press Agency that the security situation in Europe has fundamentally changed. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the Bundeswehr is not only well-equipped but also well-staffed. Nouripour welcomed the initiative of the Defense Minister to propose a new form of military service. He highlighted the need for careful review and a comprehensive societal debate. Service to society and the state, including military service, must be made more attractive. Sara Nanni, spokesperson for security policy for the Green parliamentary group, also spoke positively about Pistorius' proposals. She saw them as a "good beginning of a debate," but noted that many questions would be raised that now need to be widely discussed. Nanni strongly opposed addressing the issue only to men and emphasized that conditions in military service need to be improved in order to attract people to the Bundeswehr or the reserves in the long term. The Ministry of Defense and the armed forces still have a lot of work ahead of them.