The defense minister was repeatedly criticized. Now Lambrecht draws consequences. Chancellor Scholz has to fill a ministry that is particularly in focus due to the Ukraine war. Twitter already fears the successor.
For months, Christine Lambrecht was heavily criticized. The SPD politician recently caused horror with a New Year’s Eve speech. The demand for the resignation of the defense minister has recently become louder and louder. Now there is certainty: Christine Lambrecht is resigning. In a statement by the minister, she asked Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) to be dismissed.
After months of criticism! Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht resigns
“The media focus on my person for months hardly allows factual reporting and discussion about the soldiers, the Bundeswehr and security policy decisions in the interests of the citizens of Germany,” writes Lambrecht accordingly. “The valuable work of the servicewomen and men and the many motivated people in the business area must be in the foreground. That’s why I decided to make my office available.” She thanks everyone “who is committed to our safety every day and wishes them all the best for the future.”
As early as Friday evening, several media reported unanimously that Lambrecht was about to withdraw from her ministerial post. The 57-year-old has been criticized for months, the opposition Union had repeatedly called for her resignation. Critics accused her of the sluggish start of procurement for the Bundeswehr or a lack of expertise, but also her appearance in public.
“The Bundeswehr has a first-class defense minister!” Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended Christine Lambrecht
This means that a central post in the traffic light cabinet must now be filled by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The Ministry of Defense has also come into focus as a result of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. In response, Germany launched a 100 billion euro program to better equip the Bundeswehr. The Ministry of Defense also plays an important role in supporting Ukraine. In mid-December, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) defended his defense minister against criticism. “The Bundeswehr has a first-class defense minister,” Scholz told the Süddeutsche Zeitung at the time. “I can only wonder about some of the criticism.” It is now a question of strengthening the Bundeswehr in the long term and reliably equipping it with weapons and ammunition.
“Even with the resignation styleless and unreasonable!” Twitter mocks Christine Lambrecht
Lambrecht’s resignation caused ridicule on social networks. “That’s what happens when politicians occupy posts they have absolutely no idea about. A lot more would have to resign,” says one Tweet. “Yes, after the media, such as #Bild and #Spiegel, talked about #Lambrecht’s resignation. Whatever Lambrecht was accused of, the media/journalistic style is extremely questionable towards people. There is a lack of good decency,” criticized one Twitter user dealing with the Secretary of Defense in recent months. “It would have been an opportunity for VM #Lambrecht, who has now resigned, to show greatness in the exit, to admit mistakes and to pave the way for a change with dignity. Instead: the ‘media’ were to blame, at least that’s what their explanation reads.” , is in another Tweet to read. “#Lambrecht has just submitted her resignation request. The list of successors discussed reads horribly: Wolfgang Schmidt, Eva Högl, Hubertus Heil, Siemtje Möller, Lars Klingbeil,” one runs Twitter user in view of Lambrecht’s successor, icy cold down your spine. “Even with the resignation, styleless and unreasonable #Lambrecht#ResignationBut, at least a resignation,” says one Tweet.
Rumor has it that this would be the setting for Lambrecht’s big tattoo#Lambrecht pic.twitter.com/pUbTeVU353
— Sander (@SanderBapf) January 16, 2023
224,000 euros by the end of 2025! Lambrecht collects so much money after her resignation
Incidentally, after her resignation, Christine Lambrecht is entitled to a hefty transitional allowance. After leaving office, ministers are entitled by law to their full salaries for three months. For Christine Lambrecht, that’s a total of 49,844 euros for a monthly diet of 16,614 euros. After that, she only gets half that for 21 months. She is entitled to a further 174,453 euros by the beginning of 2025. In total, that makes a sum of 224,297 euros. However, should Christine Lambrecht accept a new job, her earnings will be deducted from her salary, writes the “Bild”.
In addition, the SPD politician is entitled to a ministerial pension of 5,000 euros per month from the age of 65. From the age of 67 there is also a member’s pension. Makes a total of 10,000 euros.
Also read: “Declaration of Surrender!” Is the defense minister embarrassing all of Germany?
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