German students strike against possible compulsory military service

School strikes are taking place across Germany against the possible reintroduction of compulsory military service. Organisers say over a hundred demonstrations are planned in cities including Kiel, Hamburg, Berlin and Frankfurt. A voluntary service law took effect in January, but if too few volunteers come forward, Parliament could consider compulsory service. Chancellor Friedrich Merz aims to expand the Bundeswehr to 260,000 troops by the early 2030s.