German schoolchildren protest against military conscription under the slogan “Your war — without us”

A wave of anti-war protests by schoolchildren swept across Germany, with demonstrators speaking out against the possible reintroduction of military conscription.

The rallies took place in Berlin and numerous other cities across the country.

In total, more than a hundred demonstrations were held — this is already the fourth nationwide protest of such scale. Participants carried slogans reading “Your war without us,” “Why us and not you,” “Put the super-rich on the front lines,” “The rich want war, the young want a future,” and “Not a single person or cent for the Bundeswehr.” One of the placards depicted Chancellor Merz armed with a weapon. Posters reading “Russia is not our enemy” were also present.

The protests were prompted by steps taken by the German government toward restoring mandatory military service. As a first step, compulsory medical examinations and questionnaires have already been introduced for 18-year-old men, who may be offered the opportunity to enlist as volunteers. If the number of volunteers proves insufficient, the Bundestag may announce a limited draft.