Since the start of the Ukraine war, German Prime Minister Olaf Scholz (SPD) has been criticized for being too cautious in his support for Ukraine.
The criticism of Scholz has come both from his own party colleagues and allies, and from political dissidents.
Among those who have been hardest hit is opposition leader Friedrich Merz of the German Christian Democrats (CDU).
Last week, he fired at his own prime minister, saying he was procrastinating on the decision to send heavy weapons to Ukraine unnecessarily, and said Scholz was cowardly.
On Sunday, it became clear that Merz has decided to travel to Kyiv in protest of his own prime minister’s lack of action, who has still not visited Ukraine, writes The Guardian.
OPPOSITION LEADER: Friedrich Merz of the German Christian Democrats takes a hard line against the German Prime Minister. (CDU) Photo: REUTERS / Michele Tantussi
sea view
Bent off
Germany has already sent large quantities of anti-aircraft missiles, anti-tank missiles, ammunition, grenades and mines to Ukraine.
On Thursday, however, it became clear that the prime minister has bowed to the pressure, and agrees to let Ukraine buy German weapons. The decision was supported by a broad majority in the German Bundestag.
In addition, Germany will help replace weapons and vehicles that the country’s allies send to Ukraine.
According to the plan, they will provide Slovenia with German armored vehicles to replace vehicles that Slovenia sends eastwards. In addition, Germany will send bombers directly to Ukraine and let Kyiv buy tanks with anti-aircraft guns directly from Germany, writes NTB.
sea view
–
Can not be intimidated
Despite the “weapons breakthrough”, many still believed that Scholz had not done enough. Among those who spoke critically was the Ukrainian ambassador to Germany, Andriy Melnyk.
According to The Guardian, he said that there was not enough support, and asked the Prime Minister for a little more “imagination and courage”.
To the German tabloid newspaper Bild, Scholz responded to the criticism:
Russia statement: – Can have major ripple effects
– I make my own choices both quickly and in collaboration with our allies. I’m not so afraid of being intimidated by such claims.
He insisted that he would not be pressured to change his mind, despite poor opinion polls.
– You should note opinion polls, but you should not act on them alone. Especially not in matters of war and peace, it can be incredibly dangerous, Scholz said.
sea view
–
Warned in open letter
Last week, a number of celebrities and other prominent Germans also warned Scholz in an open letter against sending heavy weapons to Ukraine.
The letter stated that Vladimir Putin had violated international law by starting the war – but that it did not justify “escalating this war to a nuclear conflict.”
A total of 28 people signed the letter, including feminist Alice Schwarzer, author Martin Walser and science journalist Ranga Yogeshwar.
Russia recruits soldiers: – Uses pressure
– We hope that you reconsider with regard to your original attitude and do not, either directly or indirectly, deliver additional heavy weapons to Ukraine, the letter said.
– On the contrary, we urge you to contribute to a ceasefire – to a compromise both parties can agree on.
German Justice Minister Marco Buschmann said last week that the delivery of heavier weapons to Ukraine will not make Germany a co-fighter, while Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has stated that it is no longer taboo to deliver tanks to Ukraine even though “it may seem so in the German debate. ».
