German politician Ralf Stegner, a member of the Social Democratic Party, has come to the defense of German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, a member of the Christian Democratic Union, amid criticism from within his own party.
Stegner, a seasoned diplomat, praised Wadephul’s measured approach in the face of the recent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which many have deemed a violation of international law. “It was wise of the foreign minister to describe the attacks as ‘regrettable'” Stegner said in an interview with the Tagesspiegel. “They are regrettable.”
Stegner attributed the criticism of Wadephul from within the CDU to the fact that the party has not had a foreign minister in nearly 60 years and as a result, has lost touch with the realities of international politics. “The Union has lost its sense of realism in foreign policy” he claimed.
Stegner commended Wadephul for his experience in foreign affairs, saying, “It is to be hoped that Wadephul’s moderate politics will remain the line of the federal government and not the hawks in the Union set the tone.”
Wadephul’s assessment of the US airstrikes was met with criticism from Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the CDU leadership, with Merz stating that he saw no reason to criticize the actions of the US. International lawyers, on the other hand, have characterized the attack as a breach of international law.
Stegner was astonished by the CDU’s response to Wadephul, saying, “It is already very remarkable that the CDU is contradicting its own foreign minister.” He praised Wadephul for leading the foreign ministry “wisely and sensibly” adding, “He speaks with a clear and diplomatic tone, exactly what a foreign minister is supposed to do.