German Left condemns militarization, conscription on WWII anniversary
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Amid increased tensions with Russia, Germany has recently unveiled a plan to overhaul its military command to make its armed forces more "war-capable."
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Eurocopters Tiger of the German Army take part in the Lithuanian-German division-level international military exercise 'Grand Quadriga 2024' at a training range in Pabrade, north of the capital Vilnius, Lithuania on May 29, 2024. (AP)
Germany's The Left party (Die Linke) on Sunday condemned the militarization of German society and the potential reintroduction of conscription as the country marked the 85th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II.
"Wars always start with militarization and arming. Today we are once again witnessing the normalization of arming and war, while the social crisis is simmering in our country. We say NO to arming, to the reintroduction of conscription and the militarization of our society. For diplomacy and policy of detente!" the party wrote on X.
Vor 85 Jahren begann mit dem deutschen Überfall auf Polen der Zweite Weltkrieg. Heute gedenken wir diesem verheerenden Tag als #Weltfriedenstag. Es ist nicht nur ein Tag der Erinnerung, sondern auch der Mahnung: Nie wieder darf von deutschem Boden Krieg ausgehen!
— Die Linke (@dieLinke) September 1, 2024
Kriege beginnen… pic.twitter.com/6ZWu82dVU0
September 1 is recognized as the International Day of Peace, a day established by the United Nations in 1981, 40 years after Nazi Germany's invasion of Poland sparked the Second World War.
The Left party stressed that this anniversary should serve as a reminder that Germany must never initiate another war.
Read more: Germany developed, approved war contingency plan
Germany has recently unveiled a plan to overhaul its military command to make its armed forces more "war-capable."
This includes streamlining command structures and expanding the military's capabilities, such as enhancing its cyber and information departments to address modern threats like cyberattacks and disinformation.
Germany has also proposed a new model for military service that focuses on volunteer recruitment but may include mandatory elements if necessary.
This plan is part of a broader effort to strengthen the Bundeswehr amid rising security concerns, particularly following Russia's actions in Ukraine
Moreover, Germany has increased its defense budget for 2024 as part of its commitment to NATO.
The budget includes a significant rise in defense spending, aligning with Germany's goal to spend 2% of its GDP on defense, a target set by NATO.
