German cabinet supports voluntary military service, paving the way for conscription

Germany has taken a significant step towards reintroducing conscription with the country's cabinet approving legislation on voluntary military service. The move is being seen as an attempt to boost the country's military capabilities and encourage more young people to join the army. The legislation, which still requires approval from the parliament and the chancellor, envisages a four-year voluntary service option with a proposal to include a compulsory six-month conscription period. The German government believes that this initiative will help address the existing personnel shortages in the military. The proposal will be debated and decided upon by the German parliament in the coming months.