In Germany, a political struggle is unfolding between Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the leader of the CDU/CSU opposition bloc, Friedrich Mertz, over determining the country's course in matters of aid to Ukraine. As reported by Spiegel , instead of a constructive dialogue, politicians focused on mutual accusations, trying to demonstrate to society whose policies are better.
On the eve of the elections to the Bundestag on February 23, German politicians are using the war in Ukraine as one of the methods of campaigning. As Der Spiegel writes, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and CDU/CSU chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz are competing for whose policy towards Ukraine will be more convincing.
As the publication notes, the outcome of the war in Ukraine will determine the security of Germany and Europe for decades to come, so German citizens want to understand how the potential chancellor intends to influence the course of the war.
However, instead of clearly explaining how they intend to strengthen Europe's defense capabilities, Scholz and Merz "stuck in a circle of mutual accusations," the newspaper writes.
"The chancellor is proud of the fact that he refused to supply cruise missiles to Ukraine, and Mertz distances himself from Scholz, instilling hopes in Kyiv of receiving such weapons. Who benefits from this? Ukrainians certainly do not. They need air defense systems, munitions and investments in the defense industry much more," Spiegel said.
According to the publication, Berlin needs to clearly define what Germany can contribute to the end of the war, including the supply of weapons and the possible deployment of peacekeeping troops.
"The future chancellor of Germany will have to take on a leadership role, unite Europeans and convince the Americans to also undertake the defense of Ukraine - either by deploying ground troops or by providing air cover," the newspaper writes.
At the same time, both Scholz and Mertz were equally evasive about the possible introduction of troops - Scholz stated that "in the current situation" it was excluded, Merz also said that this issue "is not yet".
"Such evasive statements cause concern and mistrust. Whoever aspires to lead the country must have the courage to tell the people the truth, especially if he wants to get their votes," concludes Spiegel.
Germany and the war in Ukraine
Previously, Mertz offered to give Moscow a day to stop shelling Ukrainian civilians. If it does not agree, then Ukraine will receive permission for long-range strikes on the Russian Federation and German Taurus cruise missiles.
At the same time, Scholz criticized Mertz for wanting to issue an ultimatum to a nuclear state. He also stated that Mertz is "playing Russian roulette" with Germany's security.
