German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says he wants to learn from Singapore’s national service system, particularly the public support he believes it enjoys.
He made the remarks during the question-and-answer session following the 49th Singapore Lecture on 27 October, responding to a German European School Singapore student, Mothership reported.
Points to Acceptance of Military Service
Merz linked Germany’s renewed discussion about military service to whether Europeans were willing to defend their freedom, values and peace.
He said many in Germany and Europe were reluctant to recognise the security threat posed by Russia.
Describing Singapore’s military service as “not disputed”, he said most young people here accepted the system. Germany was far from that position, he added, expressing a wish to learn from Singapore and “take this to Germany”.
Remarks During Two-Day Singapore Visit
The lecture, organised by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute and chaired by Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo, took place during Merz’s official visit from 27 to 28 October.
Earlier on 27 October, Merz met Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. The two leaders announced a renewed declaration and work plan for the Singapore-Germany Strategic Partnership.
Their agreed areas of cooperation include further military exchanges involving digitalisation, cybersecurity, research and innovation, as well as exploring closer collaboration between the Singapore Armed Forces and Germany’s armed forces.
