Scholz defends his course on arms deliveries to Ukraine
Olaf Scholz at the election campaign event of the Berlin SPD
Source: REUTERS
According to Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), Germany is “way ahead in supporting Ukraine” – financially, humanitarianly and in terms of arms deliveries. But he also affirmed that this war must not become one between Russia and NATO.
Bundescancer Olaf Scholz has defended his course on arms deliveries to Ukraine. At an election campaign event of the Berlin SPD on Monday, he countered allegations that he was too hesitant about it. “Germany is way ahead in supporting Ukraine,” said Scholz. This applies not only to financial and humanitarian aid, but also to arms deliveries.
The SPD politician emphasized that he would continue to act responsibly. “Everyone can rest assured that we will do what is right and good for Ukraine and peace in Europe, not public excitement.”
Scholz had agreed with US President Joe Biden on Friday to deliver Western-style armored personnel carriers to Ukraine for the first time. Ukraine has been demanding these tanks for months. Politicians from the Greens and FDP are now demanding that Scholz follow suit and also supply the more powerful Leopard 2 battle tanks to Ukraine.
The Chancellor emphasized that Germany, together with Great Britain, is now Ukraine’s most important arms supplier after the USA. “We’ll keep doing this,” he promised. And for as long as it is necessary. “As in the past, we will always be at the forefront when it comes to the scope and quality of the deliveries that we organize.”
However, Scholz also reiterated that this war must not become a war between Russia and NATO. And he also sticks to his principle that he will only act in coordination with his partners. “Germany will not go it alone, Germany will always stay together with friends and allies and especially with our transatlantic partner, the United States of America. Anything else would be irresponsible in such a dangerous situation.” The majority of citizens think this attitude is right.
Scholz: Giffey is the right person for Berlin
Domestically, Scholz gave the Berlin SPD courage for the election campaign. It’s annoying that the House of Representatives has to be elected again, he said. But it is also an opportunity for the party to improve on the good election result of 2021. He is firmly convinced that the Berlin SPD will win the election again, said Scholz. Franziska Giffey is the right person for this.
He himself knows from his time as mayor in Hamburg that the consequences of some decisions can only be seen years later. That also applies to Berlin. He also certified that the Governing Mayor of Berlin was pursuing the right approach when it came to housing construction. If there is a housing shortage, there is no other way than to build more apartments, said Scholz. “We will not stop doing this again.” However, staying power is needed.
In mid-November, the State Constitutional Court declared the September 2021 elections for the House of Representatives and the district parliaments invalid due to numerous mishaps and “serious systemic deficiencies”. The repeat of the election is scheduled for February 12.
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