“I am resigning from my post”: The federal defense minister, who has been the target of much criticism, has called for the resignation of Chancellor Olaf Scholz, according to a written statement by the minister.
German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht resigns. The SPD policy announced his resignation from the post on Monday in a written statement. She had asked Chancellor Olaf Scholz to be sacked as defense minister, she explained. Since Friday night, media reports have circulated that Lambrecht wanted to step down.
“The months of media focus on me hardly allow for factual reporting and discussion about the soldiers, the Bundeswehr and security policy decisions in the interest of the citizens of Germany,” explained Lambrecht. “The valuable work of the military and the many motivated people in the business area must be at the forefront. That’s why I decided to make my office available.” She thanks everyone “who is committed to our safety every day and wishes the best for the future.”
As early as Friday night, several media outlets unanimously reported that Lambrecht was on the verge of stepping down from his ministerial post. The 57-year-old woman has been criticized for months, the opposition union has repeatedly called for her resignation. Critics accused her of the slow start of acquisitions for the Bundeswehr or a lack of experience, but also of her appearance in public. A photo of her son traveling in a Bundeswehr helicopter made negative headlines. Recently, she caused irritation with a New Year message posted on Instagram, in which she talked about the war in Ukraine accompanied by fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
War in Ukraine updates Ministry of Defense
A central position in German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s semaphore cabinet is now to be filled. The Ministry of Defense also came into focus as a result of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. In response, Germany launched a €100 billion program to better equip the Bundeswehr. The Ministry of Defense also plays an important role in supporting Ukraine.
Lambrecht took over the Ministry of Defense with the start of the German traffic light government at the end of 2021. Before that, she was Minister of Justice in Angela Merkel’s last cabinet and, after the resignation of Franziska Giffey, she also headed the Ministry of Family Affairs .
Lambrecht is the second minister to resign from office since the beginning of the semaphore government. Last year, Greens politician Anne Spiegel resigned as Minister for Family Affairs – because of her role as Environment Minister of Rhineland-Palatinate during the flood disaster in the Ahr valley in July 2021.