A Forsa survey commissioned by Stern magazine found that 54 percent of citizens support the reintroduction of conscription in Germany. 41 percent oppose it, and five percent have no opinion.

At 74 percent, CDU/CSU voters are the strongest supporters of conscription, but 58 percent of SPD supporters also support a return to regular conscription. Only the majority of Left Party voters clearly reject the reintroduction of compulsory service (80 percent).

The survey reveals a significant divide by age group. The strongest supporters of conscription, at 61 percent, are those over 60. Among 18- to 29-year-olds, who would be personally affected, 63 percent oppose compulsory military service.

Forsa has raised the question of conscription several times since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Opinions initially fluctuated, but since March 2024, supporters have clearly predominated. Legally speaking, conscription was not abolished in 2011, but merely suspended.

A military service bill introduced by Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) is intended to bring tens of thousands of new recruits into the Bundeswehr each year, but until further notice, on a voluntary basis. Compulsory military service is only envisaged in the event that recruitment targets are not met or the security situation necessitates higher numbers. However, there is no automatic process, no set number, and no set date for conscription.