Merz: Ukraine does not get battle tanks because of Scholz

Created: 2022-12-14Updated: 2022-12-14, 11:10 am

CDU leader Friedrich Merz sharply criticized Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his Ukraine policy.

© Kay Nietfeld/dpa

After the government statement, a debate about arms deliveries flared up again.

Scholz shouldn't hide behind the NATO countries, says Merz.

And takes the chancellor personally to account.

Berlin - Union faction leader Friedrich Merz (CDU) has made Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) personally responsible for the fact that the Ukraine desired German tanks were not delivered.

"The more we help, the faster this war will be over," said Merz on Wednesday in the Bundestag after a government statement by Scholz.

"But the Ukrainian army still lacks armored personnel carriers and main battle tanks that we can supply from our stocks and from the stocks of industry," Merz continued.

“Even almost ten months after the start of this war, you are still hiding behind the NATO partners, who allegedly do not want to deliver either.

We now know that this is wrong, ”said Merz.

"It is mainly up to you personally that Ukraine does not get this aid."

Merz criticizes the Chancellor's EU course

At the same time, Merz accused the Chancellor of an inadequate EU course before the upcoming EU summit.

"It cannot be overlooked that we are currently experiencing a deep disruption in Franco-German relations," said Merz.

In Paris in particular, many observers speak of “relationships at a low point”.

Above all, the Franco-German friendship must be cultivated more as the foundation of the European house.

“Like a good lawyer, you meticulously list the inventory that is in the house we share.

But you almost completely lack the view of the statics of this house, of the foundation of this house and you lack the imagination of an architect and the determined will of a master builder to make this house in Europe weatherproof and future-proof (...)".

Merz also accused Scholz of failures in other international contexts.

The traffic light coalition failed to answer the question of whether there should be a new free trade agreement with America.

Scholz also said "not a single word" about the events in Iran, where demonstrators were shot.

"It is noticeable that very important parts are missing and that you specifically avoid the issues that are obviously controversial in your government." dpa