The co-leader of Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), Lars Klingbeil, has expressed caution regarding possibly reintroducing compulsory military service.

“I believe that forcing 800,000 young people per year to serve is not the right thing to do,’’ Mr Klingbeil told German broadcaster ARD on Wednesday evening.

The leader of the SPD, the dominant party in Germany’s ruling coalition, argued to create incentives for those who do voluntary service.

Examples of such people are those who make study opportunities, vocational training, or obtaining a driving licence an exorbitantly expensive rite of passage in Germany.

Compulsory military service was suspended in Germany in July 2011 after 55 years.

However, the law still stipulates that compulsory military service for men will be revived in the event of civil unrest and national defence.

Mr Klingbeil said that every young person should seriously consider whether they are willing to provide service to their country.

This could be a voluntary year in a social or ecological programme or service in Germany’s military, the Bundeswehr.

“But forcing 800,000 young people to do so is difficult,’’ emphasised the SPD leader.

The Bundeswehr will be increased from 182,000 soldiers to 203,000 by 2031.

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is considering reactivating compulsory military service to remedy the personnel shortage. 

(dpa/NAN)