Status: 04.03.2022 02:31 a.m
Chancellor Scholz emphasized on ZDF that there should be no direct confrontation with Russia. He defends arms deliveries to Ukraine. And he finds clear words for his party colleague Gerhard Schröder.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has made it clear that NATO will not take part in the war in Ukraine. “That would entail a dramatic escalation of this difficult situation in Ukraine, which would entail great dangers,” warned the head of government on the ZDF program “Maybrit Illner”. A direct confrontation between the Western military alliance and Russia must be prevented. “That’s why there will be no decisions now that would lead to NATO countries taking part militarily in this conflict,” said Scholz.
The SPD politician nevertheless defended the decision to deliver arms to Ukraine. On Sunday, the federal government turned away from its previous policy of not sending any military equipment to crisis regions. “But after the attack on Ukraine, it would be wrong to continue at this point,” said Scholz. Those who are innocently attacked should not be left alone.
No cuts despite higher armaments spending
Scholz also campaigned again for his idea of creating a special fund to upgrade the Bundeswehr. It should be worth 100 billion euros. At the same time, the chancellor promised that there would be no cuts elsewhere or that the plans of the coalition of SPD, Greens and FDP would be slimmed down. Among other things, she has promised improvements for welfare recipients, children from poor families and in care.
Scholz called on his party friend, former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, to resign his posts at Russian state companies. This question is not a private matter. One is committed to such a public office as Schröder held, even after his term of office. “This obligation does not end when you no longer hold office, it continues,” said Scholz.
Financing of Schröder’s office under scrutiny
In addition, Scholz advocated reviewing the financing of the former chancellor’s office from taxpayers’ money. “Of course, the German Bundestag will also deal with this question. In any case, Bundestag employees are not to be used to carry out tasks that arise from private-sector activities.” A former Federal Chancellor is entitled to an office with several employees. Last year, 407,000 euros flowed from the state treasury for personnel expenses in Schröder’s office, as can be seen from a response from the chancellor’s office to a request from the left-wing faction.
Schröder holds posts at the Russian energy companies Nord Stream 1 and 2 and the oil company Rosneft, where he is chairman of the board. In addition, Schröder is to take on a supervisory board position for Gazprom. The former chancellor has long been criticized for his ties to Russia. He is considered a longtime friend of President Vladimir Putin.