Pistorius' military service regulation unlawful — ministry wants to change law

The Federal Defence Ministry is facing pressure over its military service regulations. An expert opinion confirms that Defence Minister Boris Pistorius was not authorised to suspend the deregistration requirement for fit men by general administrative order. This is reported by the ARD capital studio citing a scientific expert opinion.

The background is a regulation from Easter weekend: fit men were supposed to have to obtain permission for longer foreign trips. This caused massive outrage. Pistorius attempted to defuse the regulation through an exemption ordinance – but this measure itself was apparently unlawful.

Draft law to legitimise regulation

The ministry is now responding with a draft law. The exemption regulation on the requirement for permission for longer foreign trips is to be placed on a legal footing as quickly as possible. A corresponding provision is to be included in the planned reserve law. This would give the regulation parliamentary legitimacy in future.

But political criticism is growing. The Left party faction is considering legal action against Pistorius' military service ordinance. The defence ministry attempted to fix a flaw in the new military service law with an administrative regulation – an approach that is legally questionable.

Employers and veterans reject measures

Additionally, resistance is forming against another planned measure: employers reject the requirement to report for military exercises. Pistorius is pushing for mandatory participation by reservists in exercises. But business associations warn of significant economic burdens. Resistance comes not only from employers but also from veterans' organisations.

The controversy shows the difficulties in implementing the new military service regulations. Pistorius is trying to strengthen the Bundeswehr reserve but is running into legal and practical obstacles. The planned law change is intended to solve these problems – whether it will succeed remains open.