RTL/ntv trend barometer
Germans’ support for conscription grows
18.06.2024, 15:28
The Bundeswehr must grow, that is undisputed, but the difficult question is: how can this be achieved? A majority of Germans want to get down to business and reinstate conscription. The group of supporters is growing.
In view of the threat to peace in Europe, Germans are increasingly in favor of a possible reinstatement of conscription. Currently, 55 percent of people in the RTL/ntv trend barometer are in favor of it. In April and March of this year, 52 percent each supported the idea that conscription could be reinstated. In April, 44 percent were against it, and in June that figure was 42 percent.
This question is assessed very differently in different age groups. The majority of 18 to 29 year olds are against compulsory military service in Germany, with only 38 percent of people in favor of this option, the lowest figure among all age groups surveyed. Those surveyed between the ages of 30 and 44 are the most open to compulsory military service: 61 percent of this group are in favor of reinstating compulsory military service.
Support is declining again among 45- to 59-year-olds, but is still the majority opinion at 54 percent. Of those surveyed over the age of 60, 60 percent are in favor of compulsory military service in Germany.
East-West differences also play a role in this question. In the east, a possible reinstatement of conscription would not find a majority: 50 percent are against it, 46 percent are in favor. In the west of the country, 56 percent of people would support the reinstatement of conscription. Only 40 percent are against it.
The option of compulsory military service receives the strongest support among Union supporters. 68 percent of respondents are in favor of it. The Green supporters have the strongest reservations, with only 40 percent of them supporting the reinstatement of compulsory military service in the Bundeswehr.
Only 46 percent of Germans believe that the model presented by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius last week of mandatory information on fitness and relationship with the Bundeswehr is effective enough to strengthen the Bundeswehr. 51 percent of those surveyed believe that this idea is not sufficient for recruiting new recruits. The plans envisage that, based on the information, those in a given year group who appear most suitable will be called for medical examination. There will be no obligation to serve. This should enable 5,000 conscripts to be recruited each year.
The data for the RTL/ntv trend barometer were collected by the market and opinion research institute Forsa on behalf of RTL Deutschland on June 13, 14 and 17. Data basis: at least 1003 respondents. Statistical error tolerance: plus/minus 2.5 percentage points.
More information about Forsa here.
Forsa surveys commissioned by RTL Germany.