Green party chief Franziska Brantner admits to the two percent goal for defense spending. “We commit to Europe’s defense capability and to the alliance’s loyalty” she told the “World” (Monday’s edition). Both of these must be financially supported.”
“We must create synergies in Europe, for example in armament procurement, and we cannot forget the protection of critical infrastructure” said the Green party chief. The transitions between outer and inner security have become much smoother than in the past. “We cannot close our eyes to the reality.” An imperial Russia is trying to push borders and destroy the European peace order by force. We must defend this European peace order. “We need to find a closed and determined European response. The next German chancellor must be a European” said Brantner.
The Green party chair indirectly criticized Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD). “At important international meetings like the Nordic-Baltic summit, when it was about European security, he was not invited. I am worried about the potential split of Europe” said Brantner. “The Northeast of Europe doubts Germany because we are not willing to recognize Putin’s threats as a danger for us.”
The Green party chief is observing the cooperation of the CDU with the BSW in Thuringia and Saxony with great concern. “There is the danger that the Union is gradually saying goodbye to the Western bond through such coalitions. While Markus Söder and Michael Kretschmer are cursing the Greens, the Union is ruling with Frau Wagenknecht” criticized Brantner. Wagenknecht is working on “changing the foreign policy agenda of the Federal Republic in a Putin-acceptable direction.” The Union making compromises there has “nothing to do with the legacy of Adenauer.”
Looking at the upcoming assumption of office by Donald Trump, Brantner said: “We must reckon with everything. It’s already raining threats. But we are better prepared than in 2016.” There are now, for example, trade-technical instruments on the EU level to respond to coercive measures against German and European companies.
Securing the sovereignty of Ukraine is a great challenge in this context. “The answer to ‘America first’ is ‘Europe united'” said Brantner. “This federal election is not just about Germany, it’s also about the future of Europe.” The German government must take the lead with other Europeans. Security should not be delegated.