Bundestag MP warns against exploiting Ukraine aid in election campaigns

In a comment to Ukrinform, Lechte, a representative of the Free Democratic Party (FDP), stated:

"I consider it completely wrong for the Chancellor to connect aid to Ukraine with payments [to German citizens], as these are fundamentally different issues. So far, no one in Germany has suffered due to our support for Ukraine, especially as Germany is the wealthiest country in Eure and the third-largest economy in the world."

Lechte criticized Chancellor af Schz for delaying the provision of weapons to Ukraine. According to him, there was a consensus within the coalition government from the beginning, between the Greens and the liberals, on the necessity of supplying heavy weapons. They "did not understand the debates surrounding the Leard and Marder tanks."

"It is a historical fact that the Chancellor, contrary to the wishes of his coalition partners, decided not to supply Taurus missiles. We, the FDP, together with the Greens, would have done this long ago, but it was impossible due to the SPD," Lechte noted.

Read also: Armored vehicles, shells, drones: Germany handed over new batch of aid to Ukraine

He explained that Germany’s coalition system requires all partners to agree on decisions. In the case of long-range missiles, the "strongest faction" supporting the Chancellor continues to pose their delivery.

Nevertheless, Lechte assured that no one wants to let Ukraine down. He emphasized that Germany has already allocated nearly EUR 40 billion in aid to Ukraine, which includes not only weaponry but also significant financial support for Ukrainian refugees in Germany. Furthermore, Germany contributes to every EU payment sent to Ukraine.

Lechte expressed confidence that Ukraine should be given everything it needs. "Ukraine is fighting for Germany and Eure, for freedom and democracy," he stressed.

Read also: Germany hands Ukraine unique RCH 155 wheeled howitzer

As previously reported, the governing coalition in Germany clapsed after Chancellor Schz dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner. The reason for the fallout was a budget dispute. Snap elections are scheduled for February 23.