It is interesting who Olaf Schulz did not mention in the German Bundestag that day. He thanks Robert Habeck for trying to stay away from Russian oil and gas, as he wants to rapidly expand wind power on land and at sea. He even thanks Friedrich Merz for his constructive work to jointly anchor the 100 billion special funds of the Bundeswehr in the Basic Law.
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In his previous speeches, he also thanked his Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht (SPD) for her commitment to passing private funds and arms deliveries to Ukraine. Now Scholz doesn’t say a word to her. No thanks nothing. Are these withdrawal movements?
Lambrecht reads the files on the government bench, but this day is presented after the statement of the chancellor’s government, which he made because of the EU special summit on 30/31. May, more unpleasant news for you. Especially with the advent of Frederick Mers: There is now „a minister here who has more to do with self-defense than defense for weeks”, says the leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group.
Embarrassing details of an uninformed and uninterested minister have been leaked to the media from the German army. He asks the chancellor to give up on Lambrecht. The counselor is going to have to do that anyway, so it’s best if he does it now.
Does Lambrecht still have power?
He said that in three years she would be said to have done a good job. Scholz is known for his loyalty, she was his pick. But can things go well? Does she still have the power in the band to carry out his political turning point? The advisor is – still – undeterred. It is preferable to draw large lines.
„Our cooperation with the economically powerful democracies, the G7, has rarely been as effective and extensive as it has been during the past few days and weeks under our presidency,” he stressed. US President Joe Biden has played a major role in this – especially with regard to NATO, but in the fall, Democrats are threatened with defeat in congressional elections, and Donald Trump is working on his return.
A CDU politician tempts the Freedom and Democracy Party and the Green Party with Jamaica
Therefore, Western unity is not safe, just like the one in the Schulze alliance in Berlin. When he looks into the eyes of his fellow FDP, „I see a deep yearning for Jamaica. And I can understand it,” CDU Representative Christophe de Vries tweeted during the debate.
After the state elections in North Rhine-Westphalia, the Federation is in the lead and constantly asserts that there is also the sporting possibility of an alliance in the Bundestag. It is notable that the applause of Schulz’s speech by the Greens and the FDP appears almost docile.
Schulz makes stern statements to Putin
Schulz sets his course stoically, but he also has some news in his bags. He talks about many messages and discussions with concerned citizens. But he also wanted to make one thing clear: “Helping a country that has been brutally attacked to defend itself is not an escalation. It is a contribution to repelling the attack – and thus ending the violence as quickly as possible.”
Vladimir Putin still thinks he can bomb a foregone conclusion. But he is wrong, just as he was wrong about the determination of the Ukrainians and the unity of our alliances. There will be no peace for granted. Because the Ukrainians do not accept it, and neither do we.”
Only when Putin realizes he cannot break Ukraine’s defenses will he be willing to seriously negotiate peace. That is why we are strengthening Ukraine’s back, militarily as well. He is not talking about a face-saving solution, he wants the Russians to withdraw all forces to the borders before February 24. There are no differences in the union at all.
the ultimate goal; No peace imposed, NATO will not become a party to the war
The guiding principle is: considered, controlled and internationally coordinated. This does not mean that the Germans act alone, „everything we do should harm Russia more than us and our partners.” What makes NATO a party to the war, such as the imposition of a no-fly zone, is not done. We will secure and strengthen our defensive ability.”
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You need special funds for that. After it was not possible to agree with the union (which is necessary to amend the Basic Law by a two-thirds majority) on the expenditure details, a vote is now taken in the budget week at the beginning of June. “We are having good conversations about this, as well as with your party, dear Mr. Merz. I am grateful for that,” said Schulze, looking at his opponent.
Merz’s facial expressions say a lot
Merz’s facial expressions and body language illustrate his opinion of this advisor. He now has a strong relationship on the part of the SPD, at least with the leader of the parliamentary group Rolf Mutzenich, who is always looking for contact in order to reach an agreement.
Scholz’s welcome received the greatest applause of the Finns and Sweden for their desire to join NATO. The slogan “one for all, all for one” is what makes the transatlantic alliance so attractive. “Dear friends in Sweden and Finland, you are welcome. With you on our side, NATO and Europe will be stronger and safer.”
Solidarity Fund Yes, Ukraine’s rapid accession to the European Union No
Announced the EU Solidarity Fund for Ukraine. „Reconstruction (…) will cost billions.” Meanwhile, making it clear that there can be no quick accession to the European Union, Macron initially has something like a privileged partnership.
Schultz stresses that „the fact that there are no shortcuts on the way to the European Union is also a demand for justice towards the six countries of the Western Balkans.” And almost accidentally, he said something that Chancellor Angela Merkel hadn’t dared do lately: change the EU’s treaties — to herald a turning point for Europe, too.
„Citizens want, for example, more consistency in climate protection, progress in European defense, and a more equitable and inclusive Europe with more social cooperation.” The principle of consensus is also a thorn in his side, so Hungary has blocked the oil embargo until now.
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Schulz also wants a new era in the EU – by changing contracts?
If required, we can talk about changing treaties, including agreement. This is not a taboo.” Since this was the most important topic in the state elections in North Rhine-Westphalia, he emphasized that the fight against inflation is also a top priority; that the abolition of the EEG surcharge, and the fixed energy price of 300 euros (which does not Pensioners get it, the union complains), and tax deductions on packing, social benefits and a 9-euro ticket in local transport also shouldn’t be the last word.
The chancellery is looking forward to autumn when the bills for the extra costs arrive. And the traffic light, especially the FJP, but it wants to go back to the debt brake for the 2023 budget.
Merz dissected by Scholz
Friedrich Merz remains true to himself, as last time, he begins his speech with a quote from Scholz. „I’m not going to join a group of people doing something for a while with a photoshoot,” the RTL consultant said on the topic of the long-term visit to Kyiv. Who does that mean? European heads of government, his foreign minister or the head of the Bundestag?
This leads to harassment of the parliamentary group of the Social Democratic Party. Replica Merz: „Your nerves are really on edge after the last election on Sunday.” Sauerland again explains Schulze, above all, on the subject of arms delivery, but he was not always up to date himself.
Chancellery: Merz is not in the movie
„The truth is that almost nothing has been delivered from Germany in the past few weeks.” There is no ammunition for the Gepard anti-aircraft tank, nothing happens with the exchange of rings. “What double game is really being played in the federal government?” says Merz.
In Chancellery, they say both are wrong, and Merz must have made old rhetorical notes.
It is said in Schultz’s environment that the Gibbard tanks will be delivered after the training of Ukrainian soldiers in Germany – with sufficient ammunition. But the question of where the ammunition suddenly came from – so far it has been forbidden to transport from the country of production Switzerland – remains unanswered. Training on a complex system can also take a long time.
However, the truth is the circular exchange is expanding, so there’s a lot going on here. Merz may have missed it, but the day before, Lambrecht was able to announce that Germany would give the Czech Republic 15 Leopard tanks so that the Czech Republic, in turn, could deliver heavy equipment the Ukrainians already knew about to the war zone. The Ukrainian government also now clearly commends Germany’s contributions.
But the question these days remains as to how long Lambrecht can still announce such news about this ring exchange – and that depends above all on how long Scholz holds his hand.
