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Chancellor Wolfgang Schmidt (SPD) next to Chancellor Olaf Scholz (from right)
Photo: POOL / REUTERS
Germany is massively increasing its defense spending.
The planned 100 billion euro package for the Bundeswehr is a direct reaction to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
According to the head of the chancellery, Wolfgang Schmidt (SPD), Germany would not be able to defend itself against Russia without its allies.
“But that's why we're in a joint NATO alliance.
(...) The United States is particularly important for Germany, but also for Europe and for NATO,” Schmidt told Deutsche Welle.
"And that's why we work so closely and well together, because that's the only way we can survive as an alliance, as an alliance of strong partners in this world."
It is "difficult to say" when Germany will be able to do without Russian gas.
“We have already significantly reduced our dependency, which used to be 55 percent.
But it's also about other European countries.
And it's about the world.« Russia is »not dependent on income from oil or gas«.
When asked whether Germany could assume an international leadership position, the head of the Chancellery said that the Federal Republic was acting “primarily through the European Union”.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) tried to convey this to Russian President Vladimir Putin before the invasion of Ukraine.
»The times when individual powers divided the world among themselves and thought in spheres of influence are over.
We don't think it will be a uni- or bipolar world, but there will be many powerhouses.«
The billions are to flow primarily into equipment
The Bundeswehr is to receive a special fund of 100 billion euros in view of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
If the Bundeswehr Association has its way, the money should be fully invested in the equipment.
"We are well positioned with the 100 billion," said association boss André Wüstner.
Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht (SPD) had announced "major changes" in the army's procurement system, which is held responsible for the delays and increased costs of armaments projects.
It cannot be that tendering procedures drag on for 10 or 15 years.
The minister: »It has to be faster, it has to be much more effective.
And I will enforce that accordingly.«
jok/dpa
