Zwickau reaffirms ban on advertising for the Bundeswehr

Despite fierce criticism, the Zwickau city council insists on a ban on advertising for the German Armed Forces. In a special meeting, the council voted by a majority in favor of a motion by the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW). The motion reads as follows: "Advertising for military service and armaments products will be banned from city council properties and municipal companies as well as vehicles and other presentation areas." This is intended to position Zwickau as a "city of peace and international understanding".

At the end of January, the majority of the city council voted in favor of the advertising ban. Mayor Constance Arndt (Citizens for Zwickau) had lodged an objection to this. She considered the decision to be unlawful and detrimental to the city. She argued that it would not only lead to lower revenue, but would also damage Zwickau's image. There was a risk of a loss of trust with regard to future cooperation with the Bundeswehr, for example in the event of flood disasters.

58 million euros for recruiting young talent

The Bundeswehr said it had 58 million euros available for recruiting young talent last year. It is one of the largest trainers and employers in Germany and is reliant on skilled workers, explained a spokesperson in response to a dpa inquiry. "The Bundeswehr ensures our security - especially in view of the current threat situation. It must be well staffed to do this." As a parliamentary army, it is also important to come into contact with citizens. A public presence also serves this purpose.

An initiative like the one in Zwickau is not known from other cities, he said. The spokesperson did not want to say how much money the Bundeswehr invests in advertising measures in the city, referring to "ongoing contractual relationships with third parties". Mayor Arndt spoke of a mid-five-figure sum with regard to the rental of advertising space on vehicles of the municipal transport company.

Controversial debate in the city council

The city councillors spent around an hour and a half discussing another controversial ban on such advertising. The Bundeswehr is a democratic institution in our country that must be well equipped, argued Arndt. And the citizens are mature enough to make their own decisions. This did not require an advertising ban. "Anyone in favor of the advertising ban is against the Bundeswehr," stated CDU city councillor Michael Luther.

In the end, it was mainly AfD and BSW city councillors who voted for the motion, as well as the non-attached representative of the far-right Free Saxons and two CDU city councillors. It received 21 out of 41 votes. The Bundeswehr had managed for decades without targeted recruitment, emphasized Sven Quilitzsch from the BSW. It is not primarily a civil protection unit, but rather advertises for military service. He considers advertising for the Federal Agency for Technical Relief or the Federal Voluntary Service to be more appropriate.