The German Defense Minister resigns. Last Minute GERMANY, Spain, Russia headlines and events

BERLIN –

It was learned that Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht, one of the most criticized ministers in Germany’s coalition government, will resign from his post early next week.

While the opposition parties demanded the dismissal of the minister, whom they criticized because of some of the statements he made, as well as accusations that he could not run the ministry well and that he was not connected with the German army, Prime Minister Olaf Scholz also supported minister. Lambrecht in his party, the Social Democratic SPD. However, according to news reported in the German media, Lambrecht shared his decision to step down with Scholz, and the prime minister began looking for a replacement.

It became known that Christine Lambrecht, who has been criticized since taking office, did not enjoy the support of the electorate. In a recently released poll, 77 percent of respondents wanted Lambrecht fired, and only 13 percent were in favor of keeping him in office.

The defense minister took his adult son in a helicopter owned by the German army during the Easter holidays last year, drawing heavy criticism. Lambrecht, who has been the target of accusations that he ordered insufficient ammunition for the German army and that he lacked contact with the army headquarters, provoked an international reaction by saying that it was impossible to help Ukraine with weapons from stockpiles. armed forces of Germany in September last year.

Finally, on New Year’s Eve, on his social media account, he wrote: “2022 has put us face to face with challenges. There is a war going on in the heart of Europe. But I also had a number of experiences related to it. I met many interesting and wonderful people. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this.” and talk of the war in Ukraine, accompanied by fireworks in the background, was seen as the last straw in terms of resignation demands.

Scholz approval pending for Leopard tanks

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was said to be reconsidering his position against sending Leopard-type tanks to Ukraine. News published in the German media, citing sources from the Prime Minister, said that Scholz was expected to change his position on this issue, as a result of pressure from the opposition and allies, and allow the Leopard to send tanks, increasing the supply of heavy weapons so that Ukraine can defend itself.

Scholz will reportedly announce his decision ahead of the summit to be held at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on January 20. At the invitation of US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, the summit, which for the third time will be called the “Ukrainian Contact Group”, is expected to bring together defense ministers and senior military officials from many countries to discuss additional support for Ukraine in the war against Russia.

German Chancellor Scholz and Ukrainian President Zelensky

Poland, Finland and Spain have said they are ready to send Leopards to Ukraine from their army stocks. According to the German Arms Control Law, their delivery to Ukraine requires a German export license, since the tanks are purchased in Germany.

Along with FDP government partner, the Greens, along with Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Burbock, have said they are in favor of sending the tanks in question to Ukraine.

Olaf Scholz in the last days of last year changed his position of abstention, which lasted several months, and decided to help Ukraine with heavy weapons, and announced that 40 armored fighting vehicles of the Marder 1A3 type would be transferred to Ukraine along with the Patriot missile defense system.

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