The CSU state parliamentary group is campaigning for the introduction of a mandatory year of service: men and women alike should serve at least six to seven months at a time in the Bundeswehr, in clubs or social institutions, or as part of a “lifetime account”. This emerges from a key points paper by parliamentary group leader Klaus Holetschek for the parliamentary group’s winter retreat next week in the Upper Franconian monastery of Banz, which the German press agency is present. Previously, the “Munich Mercury“(Friday) reported on the deliberations.
“The service should apply to men and women and it should also be open to older people who want to get involved after their active working life,” says the paper. There should be a minimum period of service, which can be extended if desired. “Voluntary work during school time with clubs, parties, fire departments, etc.” According to the key points paper, this should be recognized or could be rewarded with free bus and train tickets, pension points, further training, easier access to study programs or priority for low-interest KfW loans.
“We are firmly convinced that a compulsory social year can be a new departure for our society,” the paper says. “We need an impulse for a greater sense of community. People need to ask more about what they can contribute to the success of our community, and not where and how they can benefit the most and more than others. In this respect, it is also reasonable to spend a few months of their life to dedicate to the state.” Building on the current debates about the reintroduction of compulsory military service, which the CSU parliamentary group supports, the aim is to initiate a broad debate about a social year.
CSU boss Markus Söder recently spoke out in favor of a return to compulsory military service for at least seven months. As an alternative, one could also think of a general service obligation, which would, however, be constitutionally difficult to enforce, he argued in the “Picture on Sunday“.
The group’s new paper now states: “Past experiences show: military and community service have had a positive impact on countless people and provided new insights into previously unknown worlds.” Through military service, the Bundeswehr is more firmly anchored in the middle of society, and services in old people’s and nursing homes could at the same time act as a driving force for social professional fields in which skilled workers are urgently needed. “With a social year, equality between men and women could be further advanced, the shortage of skilled workers could be alleviated to some extent and social exchange could be improved,” is the argument.