Özdemir calls for a 'republican year' for all - Green Party's Özdemir Proposes 'Republican Year' for German Unity
Cem Özdemir, the Green Party's top candidate for the state election, has proposed a novel idea to strengthen Germany's democratic values and national security. He advocates for a 'republican year' where every citizen serves their country, either in the military or a social institution.
Özdemir believes that living in a democracy comes with both rights and duties. He proposes a civilian security plan alongside the military operations plan of the armed forces. This plan includes establishing a medication reserve and protecting critical infrastructure from sabotage.
The federal cabinet has proposed a bill to introduce a new military service, initially voluntary but with mandatory registration and examination for young men. However, Özdemir thinks suspending conscription, closing barracks, and reducing defense spending was a mistake, as the US cannot be relied upon for protection.
Özdemir believes that conscription should not be imposed on people, as it is rejected by the targeted age groups and could further divide society. Instead, he supports mandatory military or social security service for both men and women, advocating for gender equality in conscription. He discussed this during the state election campaign in Stuttgart and in the Berlin parliament.
Özdemir's proposal for a 'republican year' aims to foster a sense of national unity and shared responsibility. This service could be incentivized with a free driver's license. His ideas on civilian security and conscription reflect his belief in a strong, democratic Germany that values both individual rights and collective duties.
