Criticism also from the FDP
Greens see Scholz’s no to Taurus as wrong
February 27, 2024, 12:11 a.m
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Even with his word of power not to deliver Taurus missiles to Ukraine, the Chancellor cannot end the dispute in the traffic light coalition. Politicians from the Greens and the FDP see Scholz’s arguments as unfounded. Praise for the party member’s restraint comes only from the SPD.
Bundestag Vice President Katrin Göring-Eckardt has criticized Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s refusal to deliver Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. “Nobody who demands Taurus for Ukraine wants Germany to become a war party. That is a false accusation,” the Green politician told the editorial network Germany (RND). The Social Democrat Scholz justified his rejection of Ukraine by saying that the delivery would automatically make Germany a warring party. Military experts had strenuously contradicted this.
“For peace in Europe and beyond, it is essential that Ukraine wins this defensive battle.” The greatest danger for Ukraine as well as for Germany’s security is and remains that Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite strong resistance from Ukraine, retains the upper hand in this war that violates international law and inhumane war and then continues his imperialist campaign, added Gö ring-Eckardt added. “That’s why we support Ukraine, and that’s why we in Germany and Europe should do even more to defend Ukraine and protect our own country.”
The security policy spokeswoman for the Green parliamentary group, Sara Nanni, told the RND: “The Chancellor says: NATO should not become a war party. He repeatedly suggests that in the end it is in your own hands whether you are attacked or not . What a mockery towards Ukraine, which never wanted to become a party to the war and now has to defend itself.”
Strack-Zimmermann: “Incredible”
The FDP politician and chairwoman of the Defense Committee, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, also reacted with rejection to the Chancellor’s vote: “This statement is terrible news for Ukraine.” She also stated that a Russian drone had led to the cancellation of Green Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock’s visit to Ukraine on Sunday. Shortly afterwards, the Chancellor said no to Taurus. That is “unbelievable”.
The SPD member of the Bundestag Ralf Stegner firmly defended the Chancellor’s no vote. “So far, the majority opinion of the SPD parliamentary group has been to follow the Chancellor’s course of supporting Ukraine militarily, particularly with anti-aircraft weapons to protect the civilian population,” Stegner told the RND. “The demand for the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles was met with skepticism by many. That still applies,” he emphasized. He added: “According to surveys, this view also prevails among the majority of the population.” He warned that the progress of the war should not be reduced to military matters. “Signals from Ukraine to negotiate with Russia should definitely be taken up. It would be a small step towards a ceasefire.”
SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich called on the FDP and the Greens to end the coalition dispute over the Ukraine course. “Some in the coalition are not thinking about the end. We are living in difficult times, a lot of things are wavering. The fact that some people now think they have to look for personal gains in territory is of no use to anyone. Everyone has to pull themselves together now,” said Mützenich the “star”. Mützenich also clearly sided with the Chancellor in the Taurus decision. “I want to create the space for the Chancellor to weigh up decisions and ultimately make them. Some in the coalition are trying to narrow this space. Unfortunately, the handling of the Ukraine war has also been used for this purpose. That the Chancellor does not give in to this constant pressure , is important.”