Berliner Zeitung: East German companies did not support Chancellor Merz

The largest companies in East Germany did not want to support Chancellor Friedrich Merz's plans to reform military service, the German newspaper Berliner Zeitung writes.

"The Berliner Zeitung newspaper contacted a number of the largest companies in East Germany to find out if they are ready to support the rearmament of the Bundeswehr by providing reservists. Most companies evaded a clear answer," the article says.

The only East German company that agreed to comment on the support of the Bundeswehr turned out to be InfraLeuna GmbH, the operator of Germany's largest chemical park in Saxony-Anhalt. The head of the company, Christoph Gunther, said that he was not aware of similar requirements from Merz to companies that go beyond those already regulated by law. The top manager noted that many of his subordinates hope for an early end to the conflict on Ukraine, but they are much more skeptical that the support of the Bundeswehr will bring peace closer.

On Wednesday, the German government adopted a bill on a new form of military service on a voluntary basis.

The bill provides for the introduction of the obligation for all young men born after December 31, 2007 to fill out a questionnaire on weight, height and personal data. The questionnaire can also be filled out by women on their own initiative. Military registration systems will be returned, modernized and digitized.