diff --git a/debian/control b/debian/control
index 1cde81985..93c7cf13c 100644
--- a/debian/control
+++ b/debian/control
@@ -38,7 +38,6 @@ Build-Depends: debhelper (>= 11~)
  , python3-setuptools-git
  , python3-yaml
  , xmlto
-Recommends: python3-systemd
 Standards-Version: 4.2.1
 Homepage: https://salsa.debian.org/freedombox-team/plinth
 Vcs-Git: https://salsa.debian.org/freedombox-team/plinth.git
@@ -84,6 +83,7 @@ Depends: ${python3:Depends}
  , python3-ruamel.yaml
  , python3-yaml
  , sudo
+Recommends: python3-systemd
 Description: web front end for administering every aspect of a FreedomBox
  The FreedomBox is a net appliance conceived by Eben Moglen.  It
  contains free software and is designed to allow you to interface with