Cem Özdemir is the first federal minister to take part in military exercises of the Bundeswehr

“Defend Democracy”
Minister Özdemir is promoted to lieutenant colonel and takes part in military exercises

Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir has been temporarily appointed lieutenant in the reserve for a four-day military exercise with the Bundeswehr. At the military police in Hanover on Wednesday, the Greens politician in uniform emphasized that Russia’s attack on Ukraine had shown that authoritarian regimes had a problem with liberal democracy. “It doesn’t defend itself. The Bundeswehr needs it for that, but it also needs all of us as civilians who know what we have in the Bundeswehr,” said Özdemir.

Cem Özdemir, first federal minister, during military exercises

According to the Bundeswehr, Özdemir is the first federal minister to complete the military exercises that have been offered at the armed forces base for 20 years. His visit, which began on Monday, included talks with servicewomen and men with operational experience and, among other things, a briefing on the investigative work of the military police. As a passenger, he also took part in a fast-paced driving exercise by bodyguards. Shooting training with pistols and rifles was planned for Wednesday afternoon in Bergen.

For Özdemir, wearing the Bundeswehr uniform is nothing new – although he did not serve, he had already completed a military exercise as a member of the Bundestag in 2019. As a member of parliament, who also decides on the troops’ foreign missions, he wanted to get to know the everyday life of the soldiers and express his respect and gratitude, he said. He was accompanied by Niklas Wagener, member of the Greens in the Bundestag, and his office manager.

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DPA