Following Christine Lambrecht’s resignation on Monday, her successor, Boris Pistorius, has now been officially appointed Defense Minister.
The new German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is in office. The German Federal President Frank Walter Steinmeier presented him with the certificate of appointment on Thursday morning in Berlin. the resigned Minister Christine Lambrecht got her release certificate. Subsequently, the social democrat and previous interior minister of the state of Lower Saxony Bundestag the oath of office. A meeting with the US Secretary of Defense was held on Thursday Lloyd Austin planned.
Steinmeier wished Pistorius “perseverance, good luck and a happy hand”. Pistorius takes over the ministerial office in a threat and dangerous situation that Germany has not known for a long time, and must get started right away. “For all the upcoming challenges and necessary reforms, you now need a cool head, strong nerves, leadership, clear language and political experience.” Steinmeier said he had shown that Pistorius had all of that in other demanding political offices.
‘”>
“Responsibility also for others”
“Germany is not at war,” stressed the German President. For the country, however, an epoch in a headwind is beginning. “We must respond to threats that are also aimed at us.” In this environment of new threats and geopolitical changes, it is now crucial to make the Bundeswehr capable of deterrence and ready to defend itself. “And that requires more modern and comprehensive equipment, more efficient procurement, more solid staffing levels, and attention and respect for the troops.”
Steinmeier emphasized that there was no time to lose. “As a strong country in the middle of Europe, we have a responsibility not only for ourselves but also for others.” Germany does not stand alone, but in alliance with partners. “And these partners must and will be able to rely on us.”
Pressure for arms for Ukraine
After being sworn in in the Bundestag, Pistorius was received with military honors by the Inspector General of the Federal Armed Forces, Eberhard Zorn, in the Defense Ministry. Shortly thereafter, a meeting with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was on his schedule.
The war in Ukraine and continued support for the country attacked by Russia are likely to be central themes. In the past few days, pressure has increased on Germany to also make Leopard-type main battle tanks available to Ukraine. The German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is now ready to do so under certain conditions, according to media reports. According to “Suddeutscher Zeitung” and “Bild“-Zeitung he stated in a phone call with US President Joe Biden Of course, Germany can only deliver if the USA provides Ukraine with its own Abrams battle tanks.
(APA/dpa)