Group 1 - The German government has approved a draft plan to expand its military, aiming to increase active military personnel from 180,000 to 260,000 by around 2030, along with a significant increase in reserve forces [1] - To attract eligible individuals to enlist, the draft includes various salary and subsidy policies, and if voluntary enlistment does not meet targets, the government may consider reinstating mandatory military service for men aged 18 to 60 [1] - There are concerns among some German citizens and scholars that this move indicates a shift towards increased militarization, potentially diverting funds from other critical areas such as education and healthcare, thereby harming public welfare [1][2] Group 2 - Supporters of the military expansion argue that it is necessary to strengthen the Bundeswehr to address security threats and fulfill commitments to NATO and the EU [2] - Opponents worry that rising military expenditures could crowd out social spending on education, healthcare, and pensions, and may push Europe towards further militarization, straying from Germany's post-war identity as a peace-oriented nation [2] - The new draft law on military service faces internal disputes within the ruling coalition, with low enlistment interest among young people and protests from anti-war organizations expressing concerns about readiness for conflict [2]
德国内阁通过扩军计划 民众担忧军费开支挤压民生投入
Yang Shi Xin Wen·2025-08-30 07:00