Every other European country spends around 1.5% of their GDP on defence. We spend 5% to the detriment of health, education and research. The official excuse remains that of potential Turkish aggression, however the Ministry of Defence dogma states clearly that there is no risk of a war.

Conscription remains harsh in its length and conditions. The provisions for an alternative civil service are punitive. Until 1997 conscientious objectors were imprisoned; there are still persecuted. Thousands of draft evaders live abroad; they risk arrest if they return home to visit relatives and are refused a passport.