“Only in the interest of Russia”
Scholz calls Trump’s statements irresponsible
February 12, 2024, 8:24 p.m
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Former US President Trump is raising doubts about NATO’s guarantee of support in the event of an attack by Russia. The international outcry is huge. Now Chancellor Scholz is also reacting and rejecting Trump’s statements as “dangerous”.
Following US presidential candidate Donald Trump’s statements about support in NATO, Chancellor Olaf Scholz has reaffirmed the alliance’s common defense. “NATO’s promise of protection applies without restriction. All for one. One for all,” said the SPD politician at a meeting with Poland’s new, pro-European head of government, Donald Tusk. Scholz further explained that given the current situation, he wanted to say clearly: “Any relativization of NATO’s guarantee of assistance is irresponsible and dangerous and is solely in Russia’s interest. Nobody is allowed to play or deal with Europe’s security.”
Former US President Trump said at a campaign event that the “president of a great country” once asked him whether the US would protect the country from Russia if it did not pay for defense spending. He replied: “No, I wouldn’t protect you.” What’s more, he would “even encourage Russia to do whatever the hell they want.” It was unclear whether such a conversation had ever taken place between Trump and a head of state, as the Republican also said: “Let’s assume that happened.” Trump wants to run for the Republicans again in the US presidential election in November.
Scholz also said at the press conference with Tusk that Germany and Poland were working together. Solidarity and joint action are essential. The Chancellor said: “Especially at a time when Russia’s imperialism threatens our common security in Europe. That’s why we stand up for each other in the EU and in NATO. That means, and this is very important to me, Poland’s security is too our security.”
Commitment to the two percent target
Tusk said Trump’s words were “a cold shower.” He pointed out that Poland now spends around four percent of its economic output on defense. The NATO states’ voluntary commitment is two percent, which, according to Scholz, Germany will adhere to this year “and forever.”
The Chancellor also acknowledged Germany’s responsibility for the crimes of the Second World War: “There is no end to responsibility before history.” Scholz also suggested reviving the “Weimar Triangle” format from Germany, France and Poland. Tusk emphasized that he also spoke about this with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.
The Polish Prime Minister first stopped in Paris before coming to Berlin. Both advocated further European support for Ukraine. Tusk also called for closer European cooperation on ammunition production. He emphasized that the European economy is eight times larger than the Russian one.