compulsory enlistment into national or military service
One Nation defence plan could blow out budget by $400b and require conscription: One Nation’s polling surge, which has pushed it above Labor and the Coalition ...
smh.com.au/politics/federal/one-nation-defence-plan-could-blow-out-budget-by-400b-and-require-conscription-20260609-p60560.html
"Maximum failure": Expert opinion becomes a problem - | Pistorius unlawfully suspended conscription rule
az-online.de/politik/gutachten-zu-wehrdienstgesetz-pistorius-handelte-rechtswidrig-zr-94330786.html
Key FactsIllegal Suspension of Military Service Notification Rule
Jun 1, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: az-online.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: az-online.de
- The Defense Ministry violated legal boundaries by nullifying the notification requirement for men aged 18 to 45, according to a Bundestag scientific service report.
- Minister Pistorius exceeded his authority by revoking a law through an administrative order, a power reserved for the Federal Constitutional Court.
- Since January 2026, over 206,000 letters have been sent to young men requesting information on their willingness to serve in the military.
- The military commissioner stressed fines should only be a last resort to encourage voluntary participation in the service.
“yet another sign of incompetence and ministerial maximal failure.”— Desiree Becker, Deputy Leader of The Left in the Bundestag; commenting on the Gutachten about the new Wehrdienstgesetz
Conscription: Tanner and Bauer ramp up pressure on the SPÖ and Neos: The proposals of the Military Service Commission must be implemented, urge the ministers of ...
diepresse.com/27546001/wehrpflicht-tanner-und-bauer-erhoehen-druck-auf-spoe-und-neos
OpinionPsychology and psychiatry should warn against conscription: War has fatal consequences for mental health. Yet, psychiatric and psychological professional ...
jacobin.de/artikel/dgppn-dgp-wehrpflicht-aufruestung-krieg
Instead of conscription: Will Gifhorn's marksmen and hunters soon be called up?
waz-online.de/lokales/gifhorn-lk/gifhorn/statt-wehrpflicht-ruecken-bald-gifhorner-schuetzen-und-jaeger-ein-PNIPFQVUAJHLBBVCDRHJ76KM44.html
Federal President views voluntary military service critically: Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier questions voluntary military service ...
zdfheute.de/politik/deutschland/steinmeier-freiwilliger-wehrdienst-bundeswehr-pflichtjahr-100.html
Key FactsSteinmeier Proposes Civic Service Over Military Duty
May 21, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: zdfheute.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: zdfheute.de
- President Frank-Walter Steinmeier doubts that voluntary military service will attract enough recruits for the Bundeswehr.
- He foresees renewed debate on reinstating conscription if volunteer numbers fall short.
- Steinmeier advocates for a civic duty year ranging from six to twelve months in social, cultural, or ecological fields.
- The recent military service law requires young men to complete questionnaires assessing suitability and motivation.
The willingness of every person to dedicate a small portion of their working life to doing something for the common good.— Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German President, remarks in the context of advocating for a general compulsory year of service
Bremen: Protest against conscription with anti-police slogans: In Bremen, 450 people demonstrated against conscription. The protest was peaceful ...
weser-kurier.de/bremen/stadtteil-mitte/bremen-protest-gegen-wehrpflicht-mit-polizeifeindlichen-parolen-doc85usfye43o9wtiozhsk
More than 2000 mostly young people demonstrated in Berlin on Friday during the "school strike against conscription" - | from the Red City Hall to the ... Show more
Conscription school strike needs more courage than Fridays for Future: In the morning on the S-Bahn, he eavesdropped on two arms managers, then he spoke on the ...
freitag.de/autoren/ingar-solty/wehrpflicht-schulstreik-braucht-mehr-mut-als-fridays-for-future-ein-ortstermin
After drafting Florida kicker Trey Smack in the sixth round... - ESPN: Read the breaking news story from the ESPN contributor Adam Schefter
espn.com/contributor/adam-schefter/a402a5066017a
Meeting in the market square: Lüneburg students demonstrate against conscription on May 8th.
landeszeitung.de/lokales/lueneburg-lk/lueneburg/treffen-auf-dem-marktplatz-lueneburger-schueler-demonstrieren-am-8-mai-gegen-die-wehrpflicht-2EMJCVESOBB6RG5SB6R63PB3QI.html
Hundreds of students demonstrate in Göttingen against new conscription: Students protested against conscription around the Gänseliesel statue ...
hna.de/lokales/goettingen/goettingen-ort28741/hunderte-schueler-demonstrieren-in-goettingen-gegen-neue-wehrpflicht-94298677.html
Thousands of young people protest nationwide against conscription: Their protest falls on a special date: On the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II ...
tagesschau.de/inland/gesellschaft/wehrpflicht-proteste-wehrerfassung-100.html
Conscription protest in Leipzig: About 900 young participants demonstrate: Hundreds of young people took to the streets in Leipzig on Friday to protest against ...
lvz.de/lokales/leipzig/wehrpflicht-demo-in-leipzig-etwa-900-junge-teilnehmer-protestieren-N4ICA636UZEJTB74SCONADTKU4.html
OpinionDebate on compulsory military service: military commissioner sees fines for questionnaire refusers only as a "last resort"
welt.de/politik/deutschland/article69feaa9bcd4a28c4700217dc/wehrpflicht-debatte-wehrbeauftragter-sieht-bussgeld-fuer-fragebogen-verweigerer-nur-als-letztes-mittel.html
OpinionConscription: These young men aren’t stupid; they won’t let themselves be used as cannon fodder
freitag.de/autoren/ulrike-baureithel/wehrpflicht-diese-jungen-sind-nicht-bloed-sie-lassen-sich-nicht-verheizen
Student protest against conscription: As if freedom were free: Students protesting against conscription have apparently realized that this duty will return ...
schwaebische.de/politik/schuelerprotest-gegen-wehrpflicht-als-ob-es-freiheit-gratis-gaebe-4561572
School strike against conscription: How the church helps conscientious objectors: Many young men fear the reintroduction of conscription. The Protestant Church ...
freitag.de/autoren/katharina-koerting/schulstreik-gegen-wehrpflicht-so-hilft-die-kirche-bei-kriegsdienstverweigerung
A student demonstration took place in Trier on Friday, with young people protesting against conscription. It was planned by the students themselves with the ... Show more
Bonn: Students demonstrate against conscription: This week, numerous students in Bonn plan to take to the streets again to protest against conscription ...
ga.de/bonn/stadt-bonn/bonn-schueler-demonstrieren-gegen-die-wehrpflicht_aid-147847929
Solothurn City Center clearly rejects the 10 Million Switzerland Initiative: A clear no to the SVP initiative, but strong support for maternity representation in ...
solothurnerzeitung.ch/solothurn/kanton-solothurn/solothurn-mitte-lehnt-10-millionen-schweiz-initiative-ab-ld.4161246
Despite the suspension of compulsory military service: Numbers are rising: Thousands refuse military service
n-tv.de/politik/Zahl-steigt-Tausende-verweigern-den-Kriegsdienst-id30758347.html
War for what—and for whom?: In light of the war in Ukraine, there is a lively debate in Germany, 70 years after the introduction of conscription and 15 years ...
blaetter.de/ausgabe/2026/mai/krieg-wofuer-und-fuer-wen
Number of conscientious objectors rises significantly: Although the draft remains suspended, an increasing number of men are refusing to serve in the military ...
tagesschau.de/inland/gesellschaft/kriegsdienstverweigerer-zahl-steigt-100.html
Conscription: Draft notices arrive, applications for conscientious objection too: In the first quarter of 2026 alone, 2,656 applications for conscientious ...
telepolis.de/article/Wehrpflicht-Musterungsbriefe-kommen-Antraege-auf-Verweigerung-auch-11273814.html
Even without conscription: Number of conscientious objectors rises: Although conscription remains suspended in Germany, it is still possible to refuse military ...
stern.de/politik/auch-ohne-wehrpflicht--zahl-der-kriegsdiensverweigerer-steigt-37344756.html
Key FactsRising Conscientious Objection Requests Despite Suspended Draft
Apr 27, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: stern.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: stern.de
- Applications for conscientious objection in Germany have been increasing steadily.
- A total of 3,867 requests were filed in 2025, up from 2,998 in 2024.
- Mandatory conscription screening for men born in 2008 or later began on January 1.
- Some individuals have revoked their objections, with 233 reversals recorded in early 2026.
"If we don't organize new recruits voluntarily, we will have to return to conscription." German Armed Forces in the Hormuz Passage: "If we don't organize volunteer recruits, we will have to return to conscription" - | Video - | WELT
Starting in June, the army will demand up to 12,000 francs back from service members who switch to civilian service. The amount is reduced by 0 ... Show more
Those who break off military service must now repay their truck driver's license
Those who break off military service must now repay their truck driver's license
Defence of UK - 'we may need to look at conscription': Our letter writers suggests we may need to look at conscription - what is your view?
yorkpress.co.uk/news/26029487.defence-uk---we-may-need-look-conscription/
Rapper Finch on conscription: “Leave this country”: Germany is discussing a change to the conscription law. Musician Finch advises young people to turn their ...
stern.de/kultur/musik/rapper-finch-zu-wehrpflicht---verlasst-dieses-land--37285634.html
Key FactsControversy Over New Military Leave Rules
Apr 6, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: stern.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: stern.de
- The updated military service law requires men aged 17 to 45 to obtain approval for overseas stays exceeding three months, even during peacetime.
- Rapper Finch opposes compulsory military service and encourages young people to leave Germany if possible.
- The Defense Ministry clarifies that travel permits will be granted when no active duty is expected during the absence.
- The Green Party demands swift amendments, warning the rule damages support for the military and increases bureaucracy.
If you have the opportunity to leave this country, do it— Finch, in an Instagram video posted on the HipHop.de channel, addressing young people in Germany
Conscription for all: "We need the women": While Austria is discussing a reform of conscription, Denmark has decided: All women will be conscripted ...
diepresse.com/20754316/wehrpflicht-fuer-alle-wir-brauchen-die-frauen
US military draft: What 2026 conscription could look like: Questions over conscription comes as the Selective Service System moves toward automatically ...
newsweek.com/us-military-draft-what-2026-conscription-could-look-like-11645127
Lucassen's resignation reveals AfD conflicts over security policy: The AfD's long-time defense policy spokesperson resigned from his post on Monday ...
nzz.ch/international/der-ruecktritt-von-afd-politiker-lucassen-offenbart-den-sicherheitspolitischen-richtungsstreit-der-partei-ld.1933530
How the AfD is ignoring its scandals and the conscription dispute: The AfD parliamentary group would have had plenty to discuss at its closed-door meeting in ...
stern.de/politik/deutschland/wie-die-afd-ihre-affaeren-und-den-wehrpflicht-streit-wegignoriert-37297458.html
Conscription: Men now have to get permission for trips abroad.: Since January 2026: Men between 17 and 45 need a permit for extended stays abroad - | hardly ...
telepolis.de/article/Wehrpflicht-Maenner-muessen-Reisen-ins-Ausland-jetzt-genehmigen-lassen-11245723.html
People Make Eye-Opening Point About the Automatic US Draft Registration: In most U.S. states, a voter must register with a local, county or state office before ...
newsweek.com/people-make-eye-opening-point-about-automatic-us-draft-registration-11819601
Protest against conscription: Tens of thousands demonstrate for peace at Easter marches
n-tv.de/politik/Zehntausende-demonstrieren-bei-Ostermaerschen-fuer-Frieden-id30685635.html
Germany’s new military conscription law sparks row over ‘permission’ to travel abroad
euobserver.com/210380/germany-army-draft-battle-ready-men-travel-abroad/
What actually happened to the referendum on conscription?: At the beginning of the year, an expert commission recommended extending military service; Chancellor ...
derstandard.at/story/3000000314765/was-wurde-eigentlich-aus-der-volksbefragung-zur-wehrpflicht
German Armed Forces: Does Germany need conscription?: The German army is preparing for the future. It is utilizing social media, implementing a new system of ...
nzz.ch/pro/bundeswehr-braucht-deutschland-eine-wehrpflicht-ld.1925930
Thousands of people took to the streets across Germany on Saturday for the traditional Easter marches. Rallies demanding peace and disarmament took place in ... Show more
Misplaced: Civil service workers withdrawn from the Kapfenberg city fire department
kleinezeitung.at/steiermark/muerztal/20733595/nicht-richtig-eingesetzt-zivildiener-von-feuerwehr-abgezogen
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Under the new military service law, all men between the ages of 17 and 45 must generally obtain approval from the Bundeswehr for stays abroad lasting more than ... Show more
Spiegel.de
Spiegel.de
Because of the military service rule: Sahra Wagenknecht demands Boris Pistorius' resignation
berliner-zeitung.de/news/wegen-wehrdienst-regel-sahra-wagenknecht-fordert-ruecktritt-von-boris-pistorius-li.10028670
19-year-old from Carinthia celebrates acceptance to elite university: Maximilian Schindler, 19, from Villach, will begin studying natural sciences this fall in ...
kleinezeitung.at/kaernten/villach/20696469/19-jaehriger-kaerntner-darf-sich-ueber-aufnahme-an-elite-uni-freuen
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New conscription rule for men criticized: "Poorly executed": A drastic change to the conscription law has long since come into effect. It affects almost all men ...
fr.de/politik/genehmigung-drastische-wehrpflicht-aenderung-maenner-die-deutschland-laenger-wollen-brauchen-zr-94248132.html
MAGA Comic Who Never Served in Military Thirsts for Draft: ‘SNL’ alum Rob Schneider pitched his vision for mass conscription, having conveniently missed out on ...
thedailybeast.com/maga-comic-rob-schneider-who-never-served-in-military-thirsts-for-nationwide-draft/
Key FactsRob Schneider Advocates Mandatory Military Service
Mar 30, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: newsweek.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: newsweek.com
- Rob Schneider called for reinstating the military draft to require service from America's youth.
- He recommends a two-year commitment starting at age 18, with options to serve abroad or in volunteer roles.
- Schneider argues that this service would enhance physical fitness, national loyalty, and deter unnecessary wars.
- The proposal sparked over a million views online and ignited a heated debate about personal freedom and duty.
We must once again recommit ourselves to one Nation under God, indivisible. Therefore, we must restore the military draft for our Nation’s young people.— Rob Schneider via a post on X, advocating for restoring the U.S. military draft.
Princess Isabella completes her military service with the mounted police.: The second in line to the Danish throne is among the first young people to perform the ...
nordschleswiger.dk/daenemark/prinzessin-isabella-absolviert-ihre-wehrpflicht-bei-der-reiterstaffel/3416690
Around 30 pupils strike in Fulda against compulsory military service: Students protested against compulsory military service across Germany on Thursday - around ...
fuldaerzeitung.de/fulda/schueler-streiken-gegen-wehrpflicht-protest-auch-in-fulda-94203882.html
Key FactsYouth Rally Against Conscription in Fulda
Mar 6, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: fuldaerzeitung.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: fuldaerzeitung.de
- Approximately 30 young people gathered at Fulda’s University Square to oppose the reintroduction of mandatory conscription.
- The new military service law requires mandatory registration for males born after 2008, though service remains voluntary.
- Protesters opposed forced medical examinations, military expansion, and the Bundeswehr’s planned presence at the Hessentag festival.
- Students led the demonstration with support from university students and the Left party, who provided informational flyers.
With conscription, it's about our bodies and our future— Jojo Bott, ninth-grade student and organizer of the Fulda school strike against conscription
OpinionNeos, a Party Like a Surprise Bag: A party should foster lively debate—but voters should already have a sense of what it stands for. With the Neos ...
diepresse.com/20726286/neos-eine-partei-als-wundertuete
Students demonstrate against conscription and miss class - | they have to pay for it
swr.de/swraktuell/baden-wuerttemberg/verwarngelder-wegen-schulstreik-gegen-wehrpflicht-schueler-100.html
Key FactsFines Issued for School Strikes Against Military Service
Mar 10, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: swr.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: swr.de
- Following the first school strike against military conscription on December 5, at least seven students at Eschbach Gymnasium were fined €20 for unauthorized absences.
- The school administration had warned parents about severe consequences for repeated participation in the strike.
- Despite some students skipping class again during the second strike, the school maintained disciplinary measures supported by education officials.
- Stuttgart’s regional authority clarified that attending demonstrations is not a valid excuse for missing school and absences can be reported.
Because the school strike is for us a way to bring the topic into the media. To show that we do not want to be forced to join an army.— 16-year-old Marco, Stuttgart school strike against conscription; quoted in SWR report
Chief of Staff Zamir warns IDF will collapse due to lack of manpower, raises 'ten red flags'
jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-891368
Retirement in the trenches? Greens want conscription for older people: The Green Party leader is reigniting the debate about generational fairness - | and openly ...
de.euronews.com/2026/03/25/ruhestand-grune-wehrpflicht-senioren
Shipowners introduce sea service into conscription debate: A year at sea instead of the Bundeswehr: The German Shipowners' Association proposes sea service ...
ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/xxreederverband-jahresbilanz,iran-1066.html
US military draft: What 2026 conscription could look like: “Mothers out there are worried that we’re going to have a draft” Fox News anchor Maria Bartiromo told ...
newsweek.com/us-military-draft-what-2026-conscription-could-look-like-11645127
List of Things That Would Make You Exempt From US Draft if It Happened: Karoline Leavitt said that a draft was not part of President Donald Trump’s plan right ...
newsweek.com/us-draft-conscription-military-exemptions-11650996
Key FactsDebate Erupts Over Possible Military Draft for Iran
Mar 9, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: buzzfeed.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: buzzfeed.com
- Karoline Leavitt stated that President Trump keeps all military options open, including the potential for a draft.
- Her remarks caused widespread concern among Americans wary of their children being conscripted.
- Former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene condemned the vague stance and demanded a clear rejection of foreign wars.
- The White House denied claims that Leavitt supported a draft, calling such reports inaccurate.
Karoline Leavitt doesn't rule out a draft. How about the answer is NO DRAFT AND NO BOOTS ON THE GROUND because we campaigned on NO MORE FOREIGN WARS OR REGIME CHANGE!!! Liars every single one of them! Not my son, over my dead body!!!!!— Marjorie Taylor Greene, on X, reacting to Leavitt's remarks about a potential draft
Really, we're supposed to “give something back”? Why we students are against compulsory military service
freitag.de/autoren/der-freitag/echt-wir-sollen-etwas-zurueckgeben-warum-wir-schueler-gegen-wehrpflicht-sind
Key FactsYouth Resistance to Military Conscription Grows
Mar 5, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: freitag.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: freitag.de
- Continuous exposure to war has made military conflicts a personal concern for many young people.
- The military’s intensified outreach to minors with personalized mail is seen as intrusive and raises concerns about the future.
- Despite a 108 billion euro defense budget in 2026, young citizens feel neglected by broader social support systems.
- Opposition to conscription is evident in a nationwide school strike on March 5, 2026, and low response rates to mandatory military surveys.
OpinionKiel youth take to the streets: parade ground closed due to demonstration against compulsory military service
kn-online.de/lokales/kiel/schuelerstreik-in-kiel-exerzierplatz-teils-gesperrt-demo-gegen-wehrpflicht-RPSM2KC3ZRA4DNTNCXY7XB3V3U.html
Nationwide protests against conscription: 200 demonstrate in Lübeck: Around 200 people marched through Lübeck's old town. But some of them were not only ...
ln-online.de/lokales/luebeck/bundesweite-proteste-gegen-wehrpflicht-200-demonstrieren-in-luebeck-OHABNZDP5BCHFI74NVOU5T6GPA.html
Every medical condition that exempts you from being called up to the Army: Ministers have stated the UK must be prepared for 'war in our homeland' with talk of ...
chroniclelive.co.uk/news/uk-news/every-medical-condition-exempts-you-33541844
Dems drafting AI guardrails for autonomous weapons, domestic spying: Sen. Adam Schiff said his proposal would place "commonsense safeguards" around the use of AI ...
axios.com/2026/03/11/ai-autonomous-weapons-domestic-spying-protections-democrats
School strike in Oldenburg: "Our hands should hold books, not weapons": Around one hundred young people are demonstrating in Oldenburg against the new military ...
nwzonline.de/oldenburg/schuelerstreik-gegen-wehrpflicht-in-oldenburg-protest-fuer-bildung-statt-krieg_a_4,2,4057894039.html
Ministry: Demonstration not a reason for missing school: Demonstrations are important, but compulsory school attendance remains: The Ministry emphasizes that ...
ln-online.de/der-norden/ministerium-demo-kein-grund-fuer-fehlen-in-der-schule-RSVRDUZIOJF4MNRCUILXLE4E4A.html
First "school strike against conscription" in Hildesheim - | this is how the demonstration went through the city center
hildesheimer-allgemeine.de/meldung/erster-schulstreik-gegen-die-wehrpflicht-in-hildesheim-so-lief-die-demo-durch-die-innenstadt.html
School strike in Recklinghausen: Protest against conscription: School strike in Recklinghausen: Around 50 people protest against conscription ...
recklinghaeuser-zeitung.de/recklinghausen/schuelerstreik-recklinghausen-protest-gegen-wehrpflicht-und-zwangsdienste-w1162898-6001231347/
Am Donnerstag, 5. März, gab es bundesweit Schülerstreiks gegen die Wehrpflicht. Auch in Soest fand eine Demo statt, organisiert von der Linksjugend Kreis Soest ... Show more
Rund 100 überwiegend junge Menschen haben am Donnerstag auf dem Marktplatz in Halle gegen eine mögliche Wiedereinführung der Wehrpflicht protestiert ... Show more
Protest in Bocholt: School strike against conscription for peace: Nationwide, the "(school) strike against conscription" is mobilizing. In Bocholt ...
bbv-net.de/bocholt/protest-gegen-wehrpflicht-bocholt-schulstreik-frieden-bildung-demonstration-w1162910-6000510401/
Demonstration: Bamberg's students say no to conscription: Students in Bamberg are loudly protesting against conscription. A controversial law is prompting ...
fraenkischertag.de/lokales/bamberg/wirtschaft/bamberger-schueler-protestieren-gegen-die-wehrpflicht-art-526247
Paid articlePaywall School strike against compulsory military service in Lübeck: Organizers want to remain anonymous
ln-online.de/lokales/luebeck/schulstreik-gegen-wehrpflicht-in-luebeck-macher-wollen-anonym-bleiben-GA6GP4ACWZBTZGFU6JB5G7JHP4.html
UK conscription rules if WW3 breaks out and two reasons you can say no: The Government has recently increased the upper age limit for army reservists from 55 to ...
chroniclelive.co.uk/news/uk-news/uk-conscription-rules-ww3-breaks-33534090
Theater in Emden: Conscription in the classroom - | and on stage: The debate about conscription has reached the theater stage. "Nobody Goes There" by students of ...
nwzonline.de/emden/theaterprojekt-zur-wehrpflicht-emder-schueler-verarbeiten-politische-debatte-auf-der-buehne_a_4,2,4085450062.html
School strikes against military service: | "We are not shirking any responsibility"
tagesschau.de/inland/gesellschaft/wehrdienst-schulstreik-gegen-wehrpflicht-100.html
"Never, never, never again conscription": Demonstrators march through Soest chanting slogans
soester-anzeiger.de/lokales/soest/nie-nie-nie-wieder-wehrpflicht-demonstrierende-ziehen-mit-sprechchoeren-durch-soest-94203105.html
Nationwide strike against conscription also in Kiel: Initiative against the Bundeswehr in schools
kn-online.de/schleswig-holstein/bundesweiter-streik-gegen-wehrpflicht-auch-in-kiel-initiative-gegen-bundewehr-in-schulen-NGJIRRPLCFHPPCQ5JMYJONRZRI.html
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