What happens to the US atomic bombs in Germany?

In the 1980s, 7,000 nuclear weapons were still stationed in both parts of Germany.

Today there are only about 20 left.

The coalition talks are now about what will become of them.

Berlin - The CDU demands from the SPD Chancellor candidate Olaf Scholz a clear commitment to the retention of US nuclear weapons in Germany.

The deputy CDU / CSU parliamentary group leader Johann Wadephul called the Bundestag on Thursday "highly dangerous" demands of the SPD leaders and the Greens for a withdrawal of the bombs allegedly stored at the Büchel flight host in Rhineland-Palatinate.

They are also a security risk for the Eastern European allies.

"It is imperative that the Chancellor candidate Scholz clearly positions himself and speaks a word of power," said Wadephul of the German press agency.

"Should the traffic light coalitionists decide to withdraw Germany from nuclear participation or even just take steps in that direction, then this would change the security architecture of Europe considerably."

Kiesewetter warns of devastating consequences

The CDU foreign politician Roderich Kiesewetter warned of the devastating consequences of a withdrawal of US nuclear weapons for the partnership with the USA.

“That could have a domino effect in other NATO countries with nuclear weapons, such as Belgium or the Netherlands, or even lead to nuclear armaments in other European NATO countries.

Then the transatlantic partnership breaks, ”he told the dpa.

The chairman of the Munich Security Conference, Wolfgang Ischinger, also warned against questioning German participation in NATO's nuclear deterrent.

A withdrawal from Germany would have serious consequences for security in Europe: "In terms of security policy, we will pull the rug from under the Poles' feet if Germany pulls out of nuclear deterrence."

Poland could then insist on the stationing of atomic bombs on its territory, warned Ischinger.

"An active Polish role in NATO's nuclear deterrent would in turn have consequences in Moscow that I don't even want to think about," he said.

“My guess is that the consequences would be catastrophic.

NATO would move even closer to Russia in terms of nuclear power. "

20 US atomic bombs in Rhineland-Palatinate

It is estimated that 20 US atomic bombs are still stationed at the Büchel Air Force Base in Rhineland-Palatinate, which are to be dropped by Bundeswehr fighter jets in an emergency. Both the party and parliamentary group leadership of the SPD and the Greens have campaigned for the withdrawal of these nuclear weapons in the past. This would mean that Germany would withdraw from NATO's nuclear deterrent. The topic will play a role in the coalition negotiations between the SPD, the Greens and the FDP.

SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich had criticized statements by the outgoing Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (CDU), who had admitted German participation in NATO's nuclear deterrent, last weekend.

He accused her of turning the "escalation screw" with Russia.

Mützenich, like party leaders Saskia Esken and Norbert Walter Borjans, is in favor of withdrawing the US atomic bombs.

also read

Laschet: October 3rd is lucky day in German history

North Rhine-Westphalia's Prime Minister Armin Laschet (CDU) described October 3, 1990 as a "lucky day" in German history.

He has stood "for three decades for coexistence in our country," said Laschet in a statement published by the State Chancellery on Saturday.

October 3rd was a reminder of "the power that peaceful protest for freedom and democracy can develop".

Laschet: October 3rd is lucky day in German history

Greens advise on further course at party congress

There have already been two meetings between the Greens and the FDP.

Before talks with the SPD and the Union, a party congress is now discussing the further course.

Meanwhile, the SPD wants to set the pace.

Greens advise on further course at party congress

Inflation: Union demands countermeasures from politics

Inflation in Germany has exceeded the four percent mark for the first time in 28 years.

Union leader Michael Vassiliadis calls on the new government to take decisive action.

Inflation: Union demands countermeasures from politics

However, this attitude is controversial in the SPD.

SPD Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has committed to German participation in NATO's nuclear deterrent.

SPD chancellor candidate Olaf Scholz stayed out of the issue during the election campaign.

Greens have roots in the anti-nuclear movement

Green Chancellor candidate Annalena Baerbock, on the other hand, took a position before the election. She had announced that, under government responsibility, she wanted to press for the withdrawal of the US atomic bombs from Germany. With a view to the disarmament negotiations between the USA and Russia, a new federal government must make it clear: “Of course, American nuclear weapons must also be part of this disarmament here in Germany and in Europe as a whole,” she said. The Greens have roots in the anti-nuclear weapons movement of the 1980s.

About a month after the federal election, the SPD, Greens and FDP started negotiations on Wednesday about the specific details of their planned joint government work.

By November 10, 22 working groups are to work out the building blocks for a coalition agreement.

In the week from December 6th, the new Chancellor - probably Olaf Scholz (SPD) - is to be elected and the new government formed.

The current black and red federal government under Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) has been in office for so long.

dpa