Berlin teachers and students unite to protest conscription revival in 2026
The Berlin branch of the Education and Science Workers' Union (GEW) is backing a nationwide school strike against plans to bring back mandatory military service, also known as conscription. The protest, set for March 5, 2026, has gained support from teachers, students, and youth organisations. Critics argue that conscription would disrupt young people's lives and divert funds from the Department of Education to the military.
GEW Berlin has strongly opposed the proposed reinstatement of conscription, calling it a 'massive intrusion' into young people's freedom to plan their futures. The union's youth wing, Young GEW, has also joined the criticism, highlighting concerns over rising defence spending. They argue that public money should instead fund schools and universities.
The strike is being organised by the 'No to Conscription' alliance, which is coordinating demonstrations across Germany. In Berlin, student activist Shmuel Schatz is leading the protests. The alliance's main demand is clear: no to conscription, no to forced service, and more investment in education rather than military expansion.
GEW chair Gökhan Akgın has urged teachers and lecturers to encourage discussions about the issue in classrooms. He has also criticised the increasing role of the military, also known as the Bundeswehr, in schools, insisting that political education should be led by trained educators, not military officers. Despite the debate, there is no recent evidence that the conscription discussion has changed how schools and the military cooperate.
The strike on March 5, 2026, will see students and educators protesting across the country. The focus remains on preventing conscription and redirecting funding toward education. Organisers hope the demonstrations will push policymakers to reconsider the proposals.
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