Universal conscription into the army is not liked by the majority in Lithuania

 

Most people understand that this is an unnecessary waste of the nation's resources. Universal summons is only desired by those who expect to gain even more from it, as in the story with the golden spoons.

 

 

"The State Defense Council agreed to increase the maximum possible number of conscripts per year by 2,000. "In this case, from 4,240 to 7,040. As you know, according to all analyzes and calculations, 7,000 would correspond to the number that could be called up for service according to the universal as a general summons", said Minister of National Defense Arvydas Anušauskas.

 

Next year, the number of conscripts could increase to approximately 5 thousand. It would continue to be gradually increased until it reached the set limit. About 3,800 young people are now invited to serve. "In principle, the Council of State Defense approved the movement towards general conscription", said the Chief Advisor to the President, Kęstutis Budrys.

 

However, the surveys do not promise support for the general conscription. 

 

"There have never been such really clear results, such strong results, where polls would show such a categorical opinion," said Professor Dovilė Jakniūnaitė of the Institute of International Relations and Political Sciences.

 

A survey by "Baltijos researches" commissioned by LRT shows that even 7 out of 10 do not agree that universal conscription should be introduced in Lithuania as soon as possible for both men and women.

 

"I'm not sure if the public understands why that mandatory permanent initial military service is needed," Reserve Colonel Gintaras Bagdonas said.

 

  "I dont think so. I think that people should have the freedom to choose anyway", said the woman.

 

True, such results could have been hindered by the issue of women's general conscription, although politicians have no plans for this yet. "In this case, we are talking about conscription and the reform that is foreseen, we are talking about the invitation of men, young people from the age of 18 to perform military service," explained the Minister of National Defense. However, according to Mr. Bagdonas, this should not affect the approach to defense. "It must be absolutely depoliticized here, first of all. It should not matter at all what a person's views, gender and so on. Everyone has to contribute to that defense. Finland is the closest beautiful example to us. The obligation of women to perform military service is Sweden, Norway," said the reserve colonel. At the moment, Lithuania should demonstrate its determination to defend itself as much as possible. On the contrary, such poll results send a favorable message to V. Putin.

 

It is true that conscription reform, even without the inclusion of women, raises a lot of debate. "Implementation will depend on how the conscription reform is approved in the Seimas," said A. Anušauskas. According to it, young people aged 18-21 would be invited to serve, and those studying in higher education institutions would no longer be allowed to postpone their service. In addition, there would be an opportunity to choose to serve for 6 or 9 months.

 

As a result, the opposition does not spare criticism of the reform. And political scientists say that it will not be easy to "sell" such an idea right before the elections. "It is very clear that in 2024, decisions on such topics, where it is obvious that there is no approval of the population, will not be able to be adopted," said D. Jakniūnaitė.

 

  The opposition criticizes A. Anušauskas, saying that it is unclear what kind of money will be used to build the military towns and equip the conscripts with weapons and equipment, because the current resources will not be enough if the number of conscripts is increased. However, the Minister of National Defense explains that there will be no need for large investments in the next decade."