In a recent interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, SPD Chairman and Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil defended the federal government’s Ukraine policy in the face of criticism from within his own party.
Klingbeil emphasized that the party’s recent internal vote, in which 85 percent of members approved a coalition agreement, demonstrates a clear commitment to NATO goals and the strengthening of security and defense. He stated that the course set by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, which prioritizes solidarity with Ukraine, will continue.
The response came in the wake of a position paper, signed by former SPD faction leader Rolf Mützenich, former party chairman Norbert Walter-Borjans and Bundestag member Ralf Stegner, which called for a shift away from military buildup and more cooperation with Russia. Klingbeil countered that the defense of Ukraine is also the defense of European and German security and that he will not alter the government’s Ukraine policy, feeling supported by his party in this stance.
While acknowledging a lack of public discussion, Klingbeil argued that diplomacy and military strength are interdependent and that only from this position can the government effectively confront Russian President Putin.