Johann Wadephul in “Early Start”
“Wrong sign”: Union rejects return to conscription
02/01/2023 10:32 am
Does Germany need conscription again because of the threat from Russia? CDU politician Johann Wadephul thinks that’s exaggerated. He demands more speed for the Bundeswehr from Defense Minister Pistorius.
Despite the worsening security situation in Europe, the deputy chairman of the Union faction, Johann Wadephul, rejects the reintroduction of general conscription. “That would now be the wrong, escalatory sign in terms of foreign policy,” said Wadephul in “ntv Frühstart”. The constitution also stipulates that only men can be obliged to serve. Wadephul called this “inappropriate”.
Instead, the CDU politician spoke out in favor of general compulsory service for men and women. In addition to the Bundeswehr, this can also be completed, for example, with the Technical Relief Agency, the Red Cross or in nursing. “In many areas, security for Germany must be improved and we need helping hands for that.”
Before his visit to the tank battalion in Augustdorf today, Wadephul called on Defense Minister Pistorius to ensure that the Bundeswehr was resupplied with ammunition and weapon systems. “Mr. Pistorius has to act very quickly now, that’s his job.” Pistorius has more money at his disposal than almost any defense minister before him. Since the announcement of a Bundeswehr special fund, however, there has been a lost year under ex-minister Christine Lambrecht. “Effectively nothing has been ordered, and certainly nothing has arrived at the Bundeswehr.”
Wadephul warns against holding back on Russia
A round table with the armaments industry is needed very quickly, according to Wadephul. You have to free them from new difficulties. The industry has been put in the “dirty corner” far too often in recent years. Minister Pistorius must now place orders more quickly and look at the procurement system. “He finally has to turn all traffic lights to green. If he needs our support, he has it.”
In the debate about the delivery of fighter jets to Ukraine, Wadephul opposed a hasty refusal. Although this is not an issue at the moment, since Ukraine has not yet made a request, a delivery must be considered objectively and calmly. “Of course, the calm consideration also includes the question – which could arise – whether we want to accept a defeat in Ukraine by not supplying fighter jets.” He does not know whether Vice Chancellor Habeck has already asked himself this question. Habeck had said that the West could “probably” go a step too far with fighter jets.
Wadephul warned against holding back on Russia. “We mustn’t be afraid of an escalation every day, the escalation has been there for a long time.” President Putin caused them. “We mustn’t let him threaten us, let us put pressure on us.” In this context, he praised the US commitment to supply Ukraine with longer-range missiles.