The new German federal Chancellor has only been in office for a few weeks, but already has internal problems: prominent politicians from the coalition partner SPD against the new security and defense policy of his government and therefore against his own party leadership.
In a manifesto, Social -Democrats demand direct diplomatic discussions with Russia, which has been a war against Ukraine for more than three years. Merz recently emphasized that a dialogue is currently not appropriate.
The federal Chancellor also receives shooting aid from other SPD -Toppolitics: Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius accused his party colleague “refusing to realize”.
Some want to look for the proximity of Putin
In their basic paper, the so-called SPD peace circles penetrate into a U-turn in foreign and safety policy. Europe is currently far away from a stable peace and safety order, they complain and advertise for de-escalation and gradual trust formation instead of weapons.
The fundamental article is signed by former parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich, former party leader Norbert Walter-Borjans, foreign politician Ralf Stegner and various members of the Bundestag and the State Parliament. Support also came from Juso -Baas Philipp Türmer. It is unclear whether all more than 100 signatures will come from SPD members.
Manifesto creates unrest before the party conference
The manifesto is also explosive due to the moment of publication: before the party congress at the end of the month, it should cause unrest in the SPD. Then the Social -Democrats not only want to choose their top, but also start the process for a new party program after the debacle in the Bonds elections. Shortly before that, NATO top is being treated, which will be a significant increase in defense issues.
The signatories demand “to talk to Russia again after the silence of the weapons, also about a peace and safety order for Europe worn and respected by everyone”. A careful resumption of diplomatic contacts is already necessary before real reliability -building measures.
It is not stated that Putin has not been interested in such a truce so far. Nor did the consequences of the then Chancellor Olaf Scholz with Putin in November. Or that he recently showed how little he thinks about diplomatic mediation attempts by US President Donald Trump, among others.
Politicians do not want to upgrade
The SPD peace circles also oppose the stationing of new American medium-range rockets in Germany and against increasing the defense budget-as a decision should be made at NATO Giffel in The Hague. They complain that a “limitation for more and more armor and preparation for an alleging threatening war” is called rather than linking defense capacities with arms management and disarming policy.
The signatories warn: “Military alarm rhetoric and huge upgrade programs no longer create safety for Germany and Europe, but lead to destabilization and to strengthen the mutual threat perception between NATO and Russia.”
Sharp criticism of Manifesto
Politicians from other parties were shocked: “When it will be understood that Russia is not negotiating and not peace,” wrote foreign politician Rodericht Kiewetter about X. Green group leader Britta Haßelmann emphasized: “We all wish peace, and no one longs for people in Ukraine. All attempts and does not make a claasse wing the wing the wing the wing the wing the wing the wing -wing the wing the wing the wing. On the other hand, the paper welcomed.
The very hard reactions show that the manifesto does not reflect the attitude of the entire SPD. Minister of Defense Pistorius told the German news agency: “The people in our country abuse the wishes after the end of the terrible war in Ukraine. After peace.” Russia does not want peace, and if only in his own circumstances. “With this Putin we can only negotiate from a power position.” Your own defense is necessary.
SPD -Baas Klingbeil under pressure
The comrades have long had trouble dealing with their Russian policy. The debate at the party conference is buried – because even in the new party program the Social Democrats are likely to position itself on this subject.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
