The German Federal Parliament (Bundestag) has voted in favor of a joint motion by the Christian Democrats and the ruling parties in favor of the supply of heavy weapons to Ukraine.
By a large majority of 586 votes, MEPs called on the Federal Government to “continue and, where possible, accelerate the delivery of essential equipment to Ukraine and also to extend the delivery of heavy weapons and complex systems, for example in the context of system upgrades.” to be given by other countries without jeopardizing Germany's ability to contribute to the Alliance's defense. “
On the other hand, 100 MEPs voted against and seven abstained. The Federal Government has also received the express support of Parliament for all the steps that have been taken so far, including sanctions against Russia, assistance in the investigation of war crimes and the restructuring of Germany's infrastructure, so that it no longer depends on Russia's energy supply.
“The Bundestag strongly condemns Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine, which blatantly violates international humanitarian law and seeks to “permanently destroy the European peace order,” the resolution said.
There was a confrontation between the Christian Democrats and the Social Democrats during the debate. The leader of the Christian Democrat parliamentary group, Friedrich Mertz, harshly attacked Chancellor Olaf Solz (SPD).
said Mertz. The Chancellor's behavior was by no means prudent: “She was hesitant, she was procrastinating, she was cowardly,” he noted.
He also criticized the treatment given to Olaf Solz by internal party critics of his policy towards Ukraine. The fact that the Chancellor called the heads of the Bundestag Committees on Defense, Foreign Policy and European Affairs “boys and girls” because they demanded the surrender of heavy weapons is completely unacceptable, the head of the CDU stressed. This use of language is “rather a sign of insecurity and weakness” rather than leadership.
After days of controversy, the two sides agreed only yesterday to table a joint resolution. The head of the Green Group, Britta Hasselman, said at the beginning of the 80-minute debate that Ukraine had “an unlimited right to self-defense”. Germany does not want to be a party to the war, but it cannot leave the country to attack Russia without protection. That is why Ukraine should be supported by arms deliveries.
“Christian Democrats and Coalition Agree on Arms Supply” notes that the agreement came after the ruling coalition appeared willing to change the wording of the Federal Army Special Fund, which will contain a € 100 billion investment. will be financed by borrowing. The Fund presupposes an amendment to the German Constitution, which was considered by Parliament at first reading yesterday.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Analena Berbock explained the reasons for the German government's refusal to supply Ukraine with Marder-type armored tanks. No other country sends such weapons systems to Ukraine. “Our traditions go hand in hand with those of other countries,” Burbok said.
Gepard battle. “It was a government decision,” Katia Mast, the group's parliamentary speaker, said in Berlin on Wednesday. Given that the decision was taken in coordination with the allied states and that the Gepard is a defense weapon, there is no contradiction with the principles that have been in force so far, Mast stressed. Shortly before, Social Democrat Secretary-General Kevin Kunert ruled out the possibility of delivering tanks to Ukraine, as Germany “has no intention of making decisions without consulting its allies.”
