The Chancellor is under pressure in the debate about arms deliveries to Ukraine.
(Photo: Getty Images)
When it comes to describing politicians who are great at announcing but weak at delivering political decisions, Olaf Scholz can judge brutally. The SPD politician, who otherwise appears level-headed, even uses swear words in confidential conversations.
Now, in the Ukraine crisis of all things, Scholz is acting as Chancellor himself in a way that he apparently despises for others. When it comes to arms deliveries to Ukraine, he pursues cloudy PR instead of concrete politics, trying to cover up the shortcomings of his own politics.
On Good Friday, Scholz announced that he would provide Ukraine with two billion euros in armaments aid. After the criticism of his hesitant attitude when it came to arms deliveries, Scholz wanted to ensure some Easter peace. “It’s possible,” experts were satisfied. Some observers even spoke of a “boom”. But in truth, the announcement is no more than rhetorical illusion.
The two billion are to come from the supplementary budget. It will be weeks before it is decided by the Bundestag. So a lot of time. Time that Ukraine does not have in view of Russia’s new major offensive.
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If the federal government wanted to help Ukraine quickly, it could have provided the money immediately. Housekeeping easily possible. But why didn’t the federal government do it long ago?
>>> Also read: “It would be important to deliver heavy weapons” – Bruegel boss calls for tougher action by the federal government
The answer is obvious: more money won’t help Ukraine. That is why the federal government wants to underpin aid with projects. It just doesn’t seem to have anything to offer Ukraine in the way of weapons at the moment. But that turns out to be the two-billion dollar announcement: as a pure PR number for the time being.
Something is brewing over the SPD
Something is currently brewing about Scholz and his SPD. Criticism of the SPD’s Russia policy in recent years is growing. At the same time, a number of SPD politicians with irritating statements give the fatal impression of continuing to cling to the old Russia policy. Scholz and his SPD urgently need to overcome this flaw.
New figures, according to which Germany has not helped Ukraine excessively since the outbreak of war, reinforce the image abroad that Germany is the West’s handbrake when it comes to action against Putin.
Because of its misguided Russia policy, Germany bears a special responsibility for Ukraine. When the government deems a full-scale energy embargo too risky, arms supplies are the only option to help the invaded country. Announcements don’t help the brave fighting Ukrainians. only actions.
More: Scholz approves two billion euros in military aid