The Minister of National Defense Panos Kammenos announced his intention to propose the voluntary conscription of women in the Hellenic Armed Forces, during the debate in Parliament over the government’s policy statements.

SYRIZA appears to object to the proposal, with the head of the governing party’s press office Rania Svigou tweeting that SYRIZA opposes the proposal.

Military service for males is mandatory in Greece, with the length of a tour currently lasting 9 months. With declining numbers of conscripts though, particularly in sensitive border areas, considerations are being made to boost numbers. Women are allowed to serve in the Armed Forces, however they are not conscripted.