Bodo Ramelow wants to “think of Europe as a whole” – and that includes Russia.
Source: dpa
Thuringia’s Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow is calling for a European peace order that includes Russia in the medium term. “All participating states must conclude a non-aggression pact and form a defense community that focuses on resolving conflicts on the European continent,” the Left Party politician told the newspapers of the Funke Media Group.
Ramelow: Putin is not a representative of freedom and peace
Ramelow admitted that such a step was currently unthinkable. “Of course, this is not possible with a dictatorship, an apparatus of oppression, and [Präsident Wladimir] Putin is also not a representative of freedom and peace.”
But we must keep an eye on the country – and strengthen those who want change in Russia.
Bodo Ramelow
The war against Ukraine and the massive repression in the country itself could release forces in Russian society. “We should trust in that.”“I am fighting to ensure that the normalization of fascism does not continue every day,” says Prime Minister Ramelow with a view to the AfD and the upcoming Thuringia elections. 24.05.2024 | 5:01 min
Ramelow not against NATO – for reorganization of defense
Ramelow assured that he was not against NATO, but in favor of a reorganization of European defense. “Germany needs an army for national defense that deserves its name. That is why I am strictly in favor of equipping the Bundeswehr well.”
But we must finally think of Europe as a whole, and Russia is part of that.
Bodo Ramelow
The Prime Minister stressed the risks of the current situation. Moldova and Georgia should be admitted to the EU, although there are unresolved territorial conflicts in both states. “All the weapons that the Soviet army had in the GDR are stored in the Moldovan region of Transnistria. These are simmering conflicts that Putin can stir up at any time,” warned Ramelow.
Federal Defense Minister Pistorius visited the Bundeswehr’s advance command in Vilnius. Germany wants to station a brigade in the NATO country by 2027. 05/22/2024 | 2:20 minHe also referred to the German-led NATO brigade that is to be permanently stationed in Lithuania. “And there is a motion in the Duma in Russia to revoke Lithuania’s sovereignty. If that is dealt with, it could happen very quickly and we could be in the middle of a war.”
Thuringia elects new state parliament
A new state parliament will be elected in Thuringia on September 1st. In recent polls, the AfD was ahead of the CDU and also the parties of the red-red-green minority government. The AfD – like the Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) alliance – strictly rejects arms deliveries to Ukraine and is pushing for negotiations with Russia.
ZDFheute on WhatsApp
Source: ZDF
Do you want to stay up to date? Then our ZDFheute WhatsApp channel is the right place for you. Whether in the morning for coffee, at lunch or after work – you will receive the most important news directly on your smartphone. Take part in surveys or get inspired by our mini podcast “Short Break”. Simply sign up for our WhatsApp channel here: ZDFheute-WhatsApp-Channel.
