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Olaf Scholz: "We Will Put an End to the Neglect of the Bundeswehr"

(Source: German Ministry of Defence; issued March 02, 2023)
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz marked the first anniversary of his "turning point" on defense with a speech to the Bundestag in which he promised to "put an end to the neglect of the Bundeswehr." (German MoD photo)

A year after proclaiming the “turning point,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made a statement in the German Bundestag on March 3. The Chancellor said: "We are putting an end to the neglect of the Bundeswehr."

In his 30-minute speech entitled "One year of ‘turning point’ - strengthening Germany's security and alliances, continuing to support Ukraine", Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the achievements of the Bundeswehr in the closely coordinated support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian attack.

Germany last year invested a total of around 14 billion euros in supporting Ukraine. The federal government is further expanding these services. In this context, Scholz mentioned, among other things, the deliveries of Marder armored personnel carriers and Leopard main battle tanks from Bundeswehr stocks. Scholz emphasized in parliament that he was very grateful to everyone in the Bundeswehr who contributed to this effort.

Germany is the center for training

In doing so, he drew particular attention to the achievements of the Bundeswehr in training Ukrainian soldiers in Germany . 3,000 of them have already been trained, and around 1,000 will follow shortly. According to Scholz, Germany is the central training location in Europe, and "the Bundeswehr is doing a masterly job here," he said. He expressed his heartfelt thanks to all the soldiers and civilians of the Bundeswehr who made this possible.

In these times of Russian aggression, from which the Ukrainians in particular suffered, Germany has become more resilient as a result of the “turning point.” The “turning point” means: Now the neglect of the Bundeswehr is over.

The defense budget will permanently reach the two percent target and important procurement projects have been initiated with the Bundeswehr’s €100 billion Special Fund, such as the procurement of the F-35 fighter jet. A large part of the armament projects for the Bundeswehr planned from the special fund should be launched this year.

Changing lanes in procurement

Chancellor Olaf Scholz thanked Defense Minister Boris Pistorius for his great commitment to the Bundeswehr. A "real change of lane" is in full swing, towards faster and more systematic procurement of equipment and supplies for soldiers in the Bundeswehr. In this context, Scholz referred to Germany's intensive efforts to more closely integrate the European defense industry. Examples of this are the Future Combat Air System ( FCAS Future Combat Air System ) and the European Sky Shield Initiative armaments projects.

Bundeswehr stands by alliance obligations

The Chancellor underscored that the Bundeswehr is fully fulfilling its tasks in the Alliance, despite major challenges. Germany stands by its obligations to provide assistance in NATO without any ifs or buts. Here Scholz highlighted Germany's leadership of NATO’s spearhead of NATO this year.

Germany supports Ukraine for as long as necessary

Before his trip to the United States to meet US President Joe Biden, Scholz said: “A year of turning point also means that the transatlantic partnership is closer than ever in times of the Russian attack on Ukraine, and the associated changes in the European security architecture.

Scholz also underlined that "Our European peace order is well defended." In his terrible war of aggression against Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to pursue a military victory. But there will be no such victory, the Chancellor emphatically said.

Putin laid the ax on the achievements of a peace and security architecture in Europe. Germany will support Ukraine in its defensive struggle against Russia for as long as it is necessary.

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