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Tough but fair: Germany between security and conscription debate!
On September 22nd, 2025, “Hard but Fair” under Louis Klamroth will discuss conscription, NATO and security in Europe. See the guests first.
Tough but fair: Germany between security and conscription debate!
The political talk show “Hard but Fair” will be on air next Monday, September 22nd, 2025, with an urgent topic: “War in Europe: no security without conscription?” Moderator Louis Klamroth, who has been running the show since 2023, will take up this explosive topic on ARD at 9 p.m. The discussion about the war in Europe and the role of NATO is central. The program examines how ready Germany is for war and what new aspects are brought about by the introduction of voluntary military service, which is due to come into force by the federal government next year.
Klamroth has invited a colorful panel for the current edition. Among the guests are well-known personalities such as Norbert Röttgen, the deputy parliamentary group leader of the CDU, and Jan van Aken from the Left. Nicole Schilling, the deputy inspector general of the Bundeswehr, will also contribute her perspective. Media representative Özge İnan and political scientist Carlo Masala will also be present, while Annabell Günther, a law student and reservist, and Helena Clear, who is doing a voluntary social year, will share their perspectives on security policy issues.
Growing pressure to act in Europe
The ongoing conflicts in Europe highlight the need for Germany to be prepared for war. As Russia takes aggressive steps, NATO is under pressure to prepare itself against possible threats. The Defense Minister therefore emphasizes the need for Germany to become ready for war. This current situation has prompted many experts from politics and society to refresh the discussion about the reintroduction of compulsory military service. This was suspended in 2011 after being considered essential for security since its introduction in 1956 during the Cold War. At that time, military service was compulsory for 6 to 18 months, but since then the focus of the Bundeswehr has changed significantly.
Today the Bundeswehr relies on a professional army and is primarily active in international peace missions. However, this structure is increasingly being questioned due to the changing geopolitical situation. There are voices calling for a return to compulsory military service in order not only to strengthen social responsibility for national defense, but also to expand the Bundeswehr's personnel capacities. The goal is to increase the number of soldiers from around 180,000 currently to 200,000 by 2031 in order to meet the new challenges.
Social debate and audience participation
“Hard but Fair” not only sheds light on political issues, but also promotes exchange with the public. Viewers also have the opportunity to take part in the discussion via telephone, email or social media, which gives the format an interactive touch. The show is known for covering current socially critical topics and bringing together opinions from different directions, a tradition that has continued since the first episode in 2001, when Frank Plasberg was still hosting.
How will Germany react to the new security policy challenges? Are we all keeping track? On Monday from 9 p.m. at “Hard but Fair” some answers will be sought and a complex exchange will be initiated with the guests.
For more information about the guests and topics, please visit the links to the respective articles: t-online.de, lawandpolitics.com, and deutschland.de.