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16:40
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16:20
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16:00
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15:40
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15:20
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15:00
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14:40
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14:20
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14:00
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13:30
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13:00
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12:30
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12:00
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11:30
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11:00
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10:40
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10:20
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10:00
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09:40
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09:20
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09:00
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08:40
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08:20
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08:00
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07:30
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07:00
Support for the Reintroduction of Mandatory Military Service and Basic Military Training
A recent survey conducted by the DYM Institute for 20minutos reveals that three out of every ten Spaniards are in favor of reinstating mandatory military service in Spain, a policy that was abolished by José María Aznar's government in 2001. Specifically, 31.7% of respondents support the reintroduction of military service. The acceptance is higher among those who believe all citizens should undergo basic military training, with 39.9% of respondents in favor of this idea.
Despite the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, firmly stating that "no one has considered" reinstating mandatory military service and the government ruling out the possibility, the debate has gained traction across Europe, particularly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Countries like Germany and France have discussed the return of mandatory military service, while Norway and Sweden reintroduced it in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Denmark will extend military service to women starting next year. In total, around ten European countries still maintain mandatory military service, and several others are considering its reimplementation.
In Spain, support for mandatory military service is more limited. While a majority (53.4%) of Spaniards favor increased defense spending, support for basic military training or reinstating compulsory military service is less widespread, particularly among left-wing voters. Notably, only Vox voters strongly support the return of military service (58.8%), while support among voters of the PP is lower (37.0%). The acceptance of mandatory military service decreases further among voters of the PSOE (32.7%) and Sumar (10.7%).
The survey also shows that citizens’ political alignment strongly influences their views. Among those who identify as right-wing, 57% support mandatory military service, and 67.15% back the idea of basic military training. In contrast, only 24.2% of left-wing respondents support basic military training.
