Overview

• In the Oct. 15 ZDF broadcast, Ines Schwerdtner said Die Linke rejects reintroducing conscription, calling it a civilizational setback and favoring voluntary service.
• Beatrix von Storch argued the AfD backs general conscription to bolster homeland defence, asserting it should not serve to recruit for a war against Russia.
• Both politicians opposed further weapons deliveries to Ukraine, prompting military analyst Claudia Major to warn of severe humanitarian and security consequences.
• Schwerdtner stated she refuses to shake von Storch’s hand, accusing the AfD of inhuman policies and invoking claims about advocating shootings at the border.
• Von Storch rejected the accusations and said withholding a handshake signals a refusal of discourse, framing the gesture as undermining civilized debate.