Markus Söder, president of the German Co-CSU and Prime Minister of Bavaria, in an interview with Rheinische Post explicitly opposed the thought of sending German soldiers to the front in Ukraine.
According to him, specified a step would not only be politically irresponsible but besides militarily unrealistic. He stressed:
“I can’t imagine NATO troops being stationed there.”
In his opinion, the presence of the Alliance's forces in Ukraine could be perceived by Russia as a direct provocation and lead to further escalation of the conflict. Furthermore, Söder has no illusions about the readiness of the German army to do specified a mission:
"Bundeswehr operates on the frontier of its capabilities — both financial and human resources."
In the same conversation, Söder made it clear that the subject of compulsory military service, suspended in Germany in 2011, should be returned. In his opinion, the current geopolitical situation requires greater mobilisation and a sense of shared responsibility.
"This is why we request compulsory military service again. Ultimately, there will be no turning back from this.”
However, he reserved that the extension of this work to women was considered unrealistic for political and constitutional reasons:
"The work of military service for women is not to be implemented. The required 2 thirds of the majority in the Bundestag will not be achieved. A blocking number on the left and right sides prevents this.”
However, he was most emotional about Ukrainian men in Germany. Söder proposed to consider their return to Ukraine if the authorities in Kiev so request.
"It is wise to consider sending Ukrainians capable of serving to their homeland to guarantee the safety of their country."
Although Söder stressed that this was not about coercion, but only about readiness to talk to Ukraine, his words are read as a signal to tighten up politics.
However, he did not limit himself to military issues. In the same interview, he besides referred to the situation of Ukrainian refugees on the German labour marketplace and criticised the functioning of the welfare system.
"The strategy now in place makes Germany much little Ukrainians at work than another countries. This is absurd – we have well educated people here, but we give them encouragement to do nothing. This is done only by Germany.”
Although the facts show that the employment of Ukrainians is gradually increasing, Söder considers that the Citizen's Allowance (Bürgergeld) discourages work and should be reformed, especially towards those who have been in Germany for more than a fewer months.
It's clear to Söder. Germany must help, but aid cannot be unilateral. all party, including Ukrainians protecting themselves from war, should bear any responsibility. The thought of returning to compulsory military service in Germany and the anticipation of returning Ukrainian men to the front are 2 elements of the same puzzle: a greater commitment of citizens to safety — their own and European. Although critics accuse him of populism and playing under the right-wing electorate, Söder is not afraid to take on topics that another politicians care about with a wide bow. In the face of the increasing conflict and the increasing frustration of society, the questions he is asking are already part of a wider debate on the future of German defence and migration policy.
