FDP rejects state participation in arms companies
The FDP has rejected considerations by the federal government to have the state enter into shares of arms companies. "The FDP is not in favor of state participation in companies, even in the arms industry," said FDP defense politician Alexander Müller to the editorial network Germany (RND). This would delay insolvencies and put competition at risk. "And the creation of European defense champions would be sabotaged if each state only takes care of its own national favorites," emphasized the FDP member of the German Bundestag. The fragmentation of the European arms landscape would then remain "an expensive nuisance." Müller recommended focusing instead on reducing bureaucracy and other barriers, as well as on long-term procurement contracts and European cooperation.
According to media reports, the security and defense strategy planned by the traffic light coalition provides for state participation in German arms companies to strengthen them. The government is currently discussing a draft of the strategy internally. However, the official departmental consultation is still pending.
The government's proposed strategy for strengthening German arms companies involves state participation in their manufacture of other articles. Contrarily, the FDP strongly opposes such involvement, arguing that it could hinder the resolution of insolvencies and disrupt market competition.
