Germany’s “deep state” is the sum of inertia, lobbying influences and unquestioned dogmas.
(Photo: Getty Images, Imago, dpa [M])
Brussels, Berlin Four pages are enough for a revolution from above in the Ministry of Defense – in the only language the apparatus understands: official German. “The acceleration of military procurement is the guiding principle with immediate effect,” said a ministry decree at the end of April.
Translated, this means: No more expensive, time-consuming custom-made products for the German armed forces. In the future, Germany will buy off the shelf. Whether fighter jets, inflatable boats or backpacks.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is now being showered with praise, finally someone who is taking action, according to the comment columns. Even the opposition is impressed by the SPD politician’s drive.
The decree can also be interpreted as an act of desperation. As self-defense by a man who does not want to surrender to bureaucracy without a fight.
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