General conscription is enjoying growing support in Austria. According to a recent survey by the Gallup Institute, 70% of respondents are now in favor of retaining it – an increase on the previous year, when 65% were still in favor.
A possible extension of the current six-month basic military service also meets with approval: 51% are in favor of an extension. On the other hand, approval for the extension of civilian service is significantly lower, with only 43% of respondents considering it sensible.
Significant age differences in the assessment
The results show striking differences depending on the age group: while 79% of those over 50 clearly support compulsory military service, only 59% of those under 30 do. Younger people are also more reserved when it comes to the question of a possible extension of basic military service – only 36% support this proposal. Their support for the extension of civilian service is even lower, with only 32% of younger respondents in favor of this.
Military service for women remains controversial
There is still little support for the introduction of compulsory military service for women, as was recently introduced in Denmark, for example. introduced in Denmark. Although approval has risen slightly compared to the previous year – from 31% to 34% – the issue remains socially controversial. At the same time, the proportion of those against has fallen (from 62% to 54%), while more respondents are undecided (12%, previously 7%).
A look at the genders shows a clear picture: Only around 20 percent of women are in favor of general compulsory military service for women as well. Among men, almost half (49%) are in favor. Voters of the Greens (52%) and NEOS (48%) are particularly open to the issue.
Historical awareness influences attitude
Andrea Fronaschütz, Head of the Austrian Gallup Institute, attributes the growing importance of security policy issues to increased public interest. “Defense issues are once again more firmly anchored in the consciousness of the population,” she explains to APA. The generational difference is clearly noticeable: older Austrians, who still have memories of geopolitical crises such as the Cold War or the Yugoslavian conflicts, show a significantly higher level of support for compulsory military service than the younger generation.
In a recent statement to APA, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner sees the results of the survey as confirmation “that the work to revive comprehensive national defense is worthwhile”. It is also important to make clear “how important military national defense and a functioning national armed force are for Austria”, not least because of global geopolitical developments. “Compulsory military service is the cornerstone of our armed forces and therefore the foundation of our security,” said Tanner.
The survey is based on the Gallup Sentiment Barometer, a study conducted by the institute itself. It surveyed 1,000 people aged 16 and over who can be reached online. The survey period was between April 1 and 8.
