Danish parties divided over proposal to double conscript numbers by 2035

The Liberal Party (Venstre) has proposed doubling Denmark’s annual conscript intake to around 13,000 by 2035, a plan that has exposed sharp divisions among political parties over whether young people should be compelled into military service.

Party leader Troels Lund Poulsen announced the proposal during a televised debate on Sunday, arguing that national security demands greater commitment. “We know conscripts will play vital roles in Denmark’s defence—this is about our own security, and we must be willing to do more,” he stated. The plan would raise annual conscription from roughly 4,700 in 2024 to 6,500 by 2030, then double it again over the following five years.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of the Social Democrats endorsed the principle of expanding conscription, though she declined to specify target numbers, citing pending recommendations from the defence chief. “Ultimately, yes—I support Denmark defending itself, and conscription is part of that,” she told public broadcaster DR. Frederiksen also claimed the outgoing government had previously agreed to a similar increase but had not publicised it, a statement Lund Poulsen rejected.

Other parties expressed scepticism or outright opposition. The Socialist People’s Party (SF) argued there is “no need to force anyone” if sufficient volunteers exist or if the military lacks capacity to absorb a surge. “So far, there have been more volunteers than needed,” SF stated, emphasising logistical hurdles like barracks, equipment, and training resources. The party called for evaluating the current 2024–2033 conscription agreement—which targets 7,500 annual conscripts—before considering expansions.

The Danish Social Liberal Party (Radikale Venstre) demanded a clearer strategy. Leader Martin Lidegaard cautioned that doubling conscription is “a massive decision” requiring justification, and warned of economic and labour-market strain: “If thousands more are in uniform, we risk shortages in healthcare, trades, and other critical sectors.” He advocated instead for a “professional, high-tech defence force.”

Moderates leader Lars Løkke Rasmussen acknowledged the need for more conscripts but stressed balancing defence needs with broader societal impacts. “We must consider what this means for our economy and workforce,” he said, noting potential labour shortages in essential industries.

In contrast, the Conservative People’s Party fully backed the proposal, with leader Mona Juul framing it as a necessity: “With the intelligence we have, we must step up. If we won’t fight for our own peace and freedom, who will?” The Conservatives have separately proposed a 50,000-strong reserve force—dwarfing Denmark’s current 3,000—by reactivating former conscripts.

The Green Left (Alternativet) declined to set a target, insisting conscript numbers “must be based on expert analyses, not political guesswork.”