Germany News: Söder Advocates for Compulsory Military Service

Bavaria’s conservative state premier, Markus Söder, has raised concerns about the government’s current approach to military recruitment. He argues that voluntary enlistment alone cannot guarantee the strength needed for the Bundeswehr to become Europe’s largest armed force. Söder emphasized that compulsory service is essential to ensure national security, which he views as a cornerstone of freedom.

“For us, it’s clear: If the Bundeswehr is to lead in Europe, there’s no alternative but mandatory military service,” Söder stated in an interview with Bild. “Volunteers alone won’t meet the security demands our country requires. Security comes first, and that’s why military service must be introduced swiftly.”

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius aims to expand the active military force from 70,000 to 200,000. However, the coalition government has yet to finalize a return to mandatory service, which was suspended in 2011 under Angela Merkel’s leadership. While voluntary measures are in place, the government has also initiated surveys targeting all 18-year-olds, requiring men to complete and return them. If these efforts fall short, compulsory service may still be enforced.

Chancellor’s Response to Washington Shooting

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the attack at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, aligning with global leaders in denouncing the violence. The event, held in Washington on Saturday, saw President Donald Trump briefly removed by security after gunfire erupted. Despite the incident, Trump remained unharmed.

“Violence has no place in a democracy. We decide through majority votes, not through gunfire,” Merz wrote on X. “I condemn the attempted attack in Washington and am relieved that President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and all attendees are safe.”

Eulenburg Affair: A Pivotal Moment in German LGBT+ History

Turning to historical context, the Eulenburg Affair stands as a significant chapter in Germany’s LGBTQ+ past. This scandal, linked to the country’s final emperor, a gilded porcelain vase, and a general who fainted in a pink tutu, destabilized the German Empire and contributed to the monarchy’s collapse. The incident, which unfolded in the early 20th century, remains a key reference in discussions about early German queer history.

AfD Surpasses Expectations in Weekly Poll

Alternative for Germany (AfD), the far-right party, surged to a record 28% in the latest INSA weekly voting intention survey, expanding its lead over the conservative bloc by four percentage points. Founded in 2013 as an anti-euro protest movement, AfD entered parliament in 2017 by focusing on immigration criticism. Now, after securing second place in federal elections, it holds the largest opposition position in the Bundestag.

Meanwhile, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Merz, remained steady at 24%, while the Greens dropped to 12%. The Social Democrats (SPD) and the Left Party held at 14% and 11%, respectively. INSA conducted its survey between April 20 and 24, asking 1,203 participants how they would vote in a hypothetical federal election.

AfD’s Controversial Youth Wing Launch

AfD faced backlash after one of its members was expelled for delivering a speech at the launch of the party’s new youth wing. The speaker, Alexander Eichwald, drew parallels to rhetoric used by Adolf Hitler, sparking debate. The event, meant to refresh the youth wing following its predecessor’s closure over extremism, was overshadowed by the controversy. On Saturday, AfD’s tribunal approved Eichwald’s removal, citing his actions as damaging to the party’s image.

Authorities in Cologne uncovered an unexpected item during a routine kiosk inspection, as reported by public broadcaster WDR on Saturday. While details of the discovery remain under review, the incident highlights ongoing efforts to monitor public spaces for potential threats. Stay tuned for further updates on Germany’s political and social developments throughout the weekend.