Thursday, October 28, 2021
“Consequences would be catastrophic”
Ischinger warns of the withdrawal of nuclear weapons
The traffic light parties are discussing campaigning for the withdrawal of US nuclear weapons from German soil. Security expert Ischinger is appalled. He describes the consequences for Poland and thus for security in Europe as devastating.
In view of the ongoing coalition negotiations between the SPD, Greens and FDP, security expert Wolfgang Ischinger has warned against questioning German participation in NATO’s nuclear deterrent. The head of the Munich Security Conference said that a withdrawal of the US atomic bombs from Germany would have serious consequences for security in Europe: “In terms of security policy, we will pull the rug from under the Poles’ feet if Germany pulls out of nuclear deterrence.”
Poland could then insist on the stationing of atomic bombs on its territory, warned Ischinger. “An active Polish role in NATO’s nuclear deterrent would in turn have consequences in Moscow that I don’t even want to think about,” he said. “My guess is that the consequences would be catastrophic. NATO would move even closer to Russia in terms of nuclear power.” Far too little thought is given in the German discussion.
It is estimated that 20 US atomic bombs are still stationed at the Büchel Air Force Base in Rhineland-Palatinate, which are to be dropped by Bundeswehr fighter jets in an emergency. Both the party and parliamentary group leadership of the SPD and the Greens have campaigned for the withdrawal of these nuclear weapons in the past. This would mean that Germany would withdraw from NATO’s nuclear deterrent. The issue will play a role in the coalition negotiations.
SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich had only criticized statements by the outgoing Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer last weekend, who had admitted German involvement in the nuclear deterrent of NATO. He accused her of turning the “escalation screw” with Russia.
About a month after the federal election, the SPD, Greens and FDP started negotiations on Wednesday about the specific details of their planned joint government work. By November 10, 22 working groups are to work out the building blocks for a coalition agreement. In the week from December 6th, the new Chancellor – presumably Olaf Scholz (SPD) – is to be elected and the new government formed. The current black and red federal government under Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) has been in office for so long.