Actually, there is a Secretary of Defense. But now Chancellor Olaf Scholz (63, SPD) is personally taking care of the Bundeswehr.
After Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, he announced that the government wanted to put 100 billion euros into the army so that the troops could defend Germany in an emergency. According to BILD am SONNTAG information, Scholz will meet in person with Inspector General Eberhard Zorn (62) on Monday to discuss with the top soldier which planes, ships and tanks need to be bought.
The wish list of the military is long: more Puma tanks, new frigates and transport helicopters, modernized air defense system. Minister Christine Lambrecht (56, SPD) is also allowed to attend the meeting, but the Bundeswehr is now a top priority.
There is rumbling between the Ministry of Defense and the Chancellery. After Scholz decided that the Luftwaffe would buy 35 state-of-the-art F-35 fighter jets, Lambrecht wanted to announce the decision last Monday. However, according to BILD am SONNTAG information, Scholz’ foreign and security policy adviser Jens Plötner (54) tried to prevent the minister from appearing.
Lambrecht was severely criticized after her announcement of 5,000 helmets for Ukraine. The minister complained to Scholz, but was then allowed to appear briefly in front of the press.
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