Scholz's next attempt at an explanation?

Chancellor delivers Ukraine government statement - from 9 a.m. LIVE

Created: 05/19/2022, 08:55

By: Florian Naumann

Chancellor Olaf Scholz (M, SPD) and Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck (Bündnis 90/Greens) with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Bündnis 90/Greens).

© Michael Kappeler

Olaf Scholz wants to explain his Ukraine policy once again - this time on the big democratic stage, in the Bundestag.

The Chancellor's speech in the live ticker.

Berlin – Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) makes a government statement in the Bundestag at 9 a.m.

The reason for the 20-minute statement is the EU special summit, which is to be held in Brussels at the end of May to deal with the current situation surrounding Russia's war in Ukraine.

The Chancellor's appearance will be followed by a one and a half hour debate in the plenum.

In the Bundestag session, which is scheduled for more than 14 hours, important legislative decisions are also pending - such as the extensive suspension of Hartz IV sanctions for a year (debate from 3.20 p.m.), the payment of a new pandemic bonus to staff in hospitals and care facilities (4.50 p.m.) and a law to strengthen sanctions against members of the Russian elite (6.20 p.m.).

Olaf Scholz and the Ukraine conflict: Chancellor first holds government statement - Holland trip follows

For Scholz, it's not the only major appointment of the day: the Chancellor is also traveling to the Netherlands on Thursday.

According to the federal government, a meeting with the Dutch King Willem-Alexander and a subsequent dinner with Prime Minister Mark Rutte are planned.

Topics of discussion include the energy supply in the light of the Ukraine war and the clashes with Russia - as well as a German-Dutch support mission for Ukraine with self-propelled howitzers in 2000. (AFP / fn)