Compulsory military service: a blue “flop” and a minister who lacks courage
To the great surprise of RTL listeners, Ms. Backes ended the debate on compulsory military service, which she had initiated only three months ago.
While the minister claimed in September that the country could not avoid a discussion, she now says that the question of compulsory military service no longer arises.
In doing so, the minister stifled the debate at a moment when it had just gained real momentum. While the minister had still freely and openly expressed her opinion on RTL in September, one cannot help but get the impression that she was being held back by her party and coalition partner.
After many people in the country have spoken out positively about military service and/or the civilian service called for by Fokus in recent weeks, we are calling on the Minister to initiate an appropriate and broad debate in parliament, as she herself called for in September.
The political parties should have their say, as should the key players involved in this issue.
We call on the Minister to show the strength required by her office and not to allow herself to be put under pressure by her own ranks.
Luxembourg, 02.12.2024
