Germany’s new Defense Minister Pistorius has to get off to a flying start. In the morning he receives the certificate of appointment, shortly afterwards a meeting with the most important ally is already scheduled.
The new Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) wants to quickly make the Bundeswehr strong for the aggravated security situation after Russia’s attack on Ukraine. “It’s about deterrence, effectiveness and operational capability,” he said after being greeted with military honors in the Bendler Block, the headquarters of the Defense Ministry in Berlin. “Germany is not a party to the war. Nevertheless, we are affected by this war.”
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier presented the new minister with the certificate of appointment that morning at Bellevue Palace. Shortly thereafter, Pistorius was sworn in in the Bundestag. Steinmeier wished him “perseverance, good luck and a lucky hand”. He takes over the ministerial office in a threat and dangerous situation that Germany has not known for a long time. “Germany is not at war,” stressed the Federal President. For the country, however, an epoch in a headwind is beginning. “We must respond to threats that are also aimed at us.”
It is now important to make the Bundeswehr capable of deterrence and ready to defend itself, said Steinmeier. “And that requires more modern and comprehensive equipment, more efficient procurement, more solid staffing levels, and attention and respect for the troops.” There is no time to lose. “As a strong country in the middle of Europe, we have a responsibility not only for ourselves but also for others.” Germany does not stand alone, but in alliance with partners. “And these partners must and will be able to rely on us.”
The Federal President handed the resignation certificate to the resigned Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht. He thanked her for everything she had achieved in 23 years as a member of parliament and for everything she had done as a federal minister in various positions. He praised her willingness “to stand up for our country, for our democracy, to defend it where it is attacked, not only to lament its problems but also to want to solve them”.
“Troops need full support now”
Pistorius criticized in the Bendlerblock that the armed forces had often been neglected in recent decades. The troops now need full support, and he, in turn, needs the support of everyone in the Bundeswehr, the Ministry of Defense and the associated authorities for his work. “I need everyone, I need everyone’s support, and I will ask for it,” said Pistorius, who warned: “Most of the turning point is still ahead of us.”
According to the Defense Ministry, Pistorius called his French counterpart Sébastien Lecornu immediately after being sworn in. “France is our closest ally and oldest friend in the European Union. Paris and Berlin have also been working closely together on security policy for decades,” said Pistorius. That’s why it was particularly important to him to get into conversation with Lecornu as quickly as possible.
Pistorius receives US Secretary of Defense Austin
Pistorius then wanted to receive US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in the morning. The war in Ukraine and continued support for the country attacked by Russia are likely to be central themes. In the past few days, pressure has increased on Germany to also make Leopard-type main battle tanks available to Ukraine. According to media reports, Chancellor Scholz is now ready to do so under certain conditions. According to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” and “Bild” newspapers, in a telephone call to US President Joe Biden, he made it clear that Germany could only deliver if the US in turn provided Ukraine with its own Abrams main battle tanks.
At the same time, the Bundestag discussed an application by the CDU/CSU parliamentary group to supply heavy weapons to Ukraine. “The heavy weapon par excellence are tanks,” emphasized the deputy chairman of the Union parliamentary group, Johann Wadephul (CDU). It is now time for Germany to give the green light for the delivery of main battle tanks. “We are challenged now,” said Wadephul.
Source: Stern
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