In several cities across Germany, schoolchildren held a protest against the tightening of military conscription rules in the country.
Modern.az reports, citing local media, that demonstrations were held in large cities such as Berlin, Dresden, and Leipzig, as well as in smaller settlements.
The protest organizers stated that, in total, protests were planned to be organized in 90 cities across the country.
As the protests coincided with school hours, many students skipped their last one or two lessons to join the action. In total, hundreds of schoolchildren participated in the protests, with Berlin being particularly notable for its number of participants, where the number of demonstrators exceeded 3,000. Along with students from lower grades, parents with young children also took part in the protest.
The demonstrations took place against the backdrop of the Bundestag approving reforms to the conscription system on the same day. According to the new rules, young people in Germany must undergo a mandatory medical examination after reaching the age of 18.
Military service itself remains voluntary; however, if a shortage of soldiers arises and the Bundestag makes a decision, citizens may be called to service by lot.
The schoolchildren who protested stated that they are concerned that this very mechanism could turn into mandatory conscription in the future.
