How powerful should the weapons that Germany supplies to Ukraine be? The coalition members have submitted a paper on this – but FDP politician Strack-Zimmermann wants to follow a counter-proposal from the Union.
It should be a joint proposal from the traffic light factions: “Resolutely defend Ukraine and Europe” is the title. The paper that was given to him was foisted on him ARD capital studio is available, from the parliamentary group leaders of all three government parties. Essentially, it is about more extensive military aid for Ukraine.
But while the SPD and the Greens emphasize that they agree on the content, the Liberal parliamentary group leader speaks of a “dissent” within the coalition. “You have to address this openly,” says Christian Dürr. According to him, the disagreement lies in the fact that the application does not specifically state which more powerful weapon systems Germany wants to send to Ukraine.
Strack-Zimmermann on the Union line
The main character is Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann. For months she has been campaigning for Taurus cruise missiles to be delivered to Ukraine. But there is nothing about this in the government factions’ paper.
This encouraged Strack-Zimmermann to take an unusual step: she announced on the short message service X that she would agree to a counter-proposal from the Union for aid to Ukraine. It explicitly talks about “Taurus” deliveries.
Union parliamentary group leader Friedrich Merz speaks of a weapons system that could be of great help to Ukraine. For example, destroying the supply routes for Russian war material.
This is exactly what the SPD sees as a problem. Chancellor Olaf Scholz fears potential for escalation if “Taurus” cruise missiles are used in the Ukraine war. They are fired from aircraft as a type of self-guided missile and can precisely hit targets up to 500 kilometers away. This would give Ukraine the opportunity to use these weapons to attack Russian territory.
According to Mützenich, the SPD is united
SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich therefore warns against fixating on “Taurus”. This conflict, the largest land war in Europe since the end of the Second World War, cannot be solved with just one weapon system.
Mützenich is alluding to FDP Ms. Strack-Zimmermann, who is once again putting cooperation in the government coalition to the test with her announced yes to the Union proposal. According to Mützenich’s words, the SPD parliamentary group stands united: “I’m glad that I have 207 MPs who show solidarity.”
Behavior like Strack-Zimmermann’s narrows the political scope that the Chancellor has, says Mützenich. One coalition faction mocks the other – once again there is little sense of commonality.
Greens represent them professionalism in question
The Greens also make it clear that they have no dissenters in their own ranks when it comes to aid to Ukraine. We are very united and united, says parliamentary group leader Katharina Dröge. She speaks of a “question of professionalism”: If a common negotiating goal has been achieved, coalition members should only agree to that. According to her, this is how a government alliance works.
It is an indirect accusation from the Greens to the FDP for not working professionally within the traffic light coalition. Everyone involved still has a day and a half to coordinate and coordinate internally – in order to present a somewhat coherent picture on Thursday when the Bundestag decides on the applications from the traffic light factions and the Union for military aid to Ukraine.
Oliver Neuroth, ARD Berlin, tagesschau, February 20, 2024 4:30 p.m