Scholz: Germany needs 'deterrence protection'
The Agreement on the Deployment of US Long-Range Weapons in Germany Sparks Controversy. While some express concern about the potential for an arms race, the Greens primarily criticize the lack of justification for the plans. Chancellor Scholz is now addressing this.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended the agreement with the US on the deployment of cruise missiles in Germany against criticism. This is a "very good decision," he said in English at the NATO summit in Washington. Germany must "have its own protection with deterrence," and these precision weapons are necessary for that, the Chancellor added in German.
"We know that there has been an incredible arms buildup in Russia with weapons that threaten European territory." The Chancellor referred to agreements with France and Britain to develop their own capabilities for conventional deterrence. "Therefore, the decision of the United States fits perfectly into this strategy." Scholz also rejected criticism from within the coalition, stating that he had not communicated the decision adequately: "This decision has been long prepared and is no surprise for those involved in security and peace policy."
Germany and the US announced on a Wednesday evening that the US military - after more than 20 years pause - intends to station long-range weapons in Germany again starting in 2026, for better deterrence against Russia. These weapons "will have significantly greater range than the currently deployed land-based systems in Europe," according to a joint statement.
Criticism from SPD, Linke, and BSW
Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles of the US Army are to be stationed starting in 2026, as well as other hypersonic weapons, which, however, are still in development. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stressed in the "Deutschlandfunk" that the weapons will be "rotated" and "temporary" in Germany. Long-term, however, the European states should be responsible for their own equipment with such systems.
The deployment of the weapons is intended to deter Russia and thus defend the NATO alliance territory. Critics, however, see a return to the Cold War and fear a dangerous arms race. "The world will not be safer. On the contrary: We are entering a spiral in which the world becomes increasingly dangerous," said SPD parliamentarian Ralf Stegner to the Funke media group. Thuringia's Minister-President Bodo Ramelow told the stern: "Yes, for defense of the country. But no to even more weapons that can reach deep into the territory of other countries. We need a peace offensive, not always more and heavier weapons."
BSW Chair Sahra Wagenknecht also expressed criticism. "The deployment of long-range attack weapons does not serve our protection but makes our country a potential target for enemy rockets and brings us into great danger," she told the magazine.
Despite the criticism from within his coalition, including the SPD, Linke, and BSW, Chancellor Olaf Scholz remains firm in his support for the US's plan to deploy long-range weapons in Germany. He believes that this decision is necessary for Germany's deterrence and fits into the strategy of conventional deterrence agreements with France and Britain. Some critics, like SPD parliamentarian Ralf Stegner, argue that the deployment will only escalate tensions and potentially lead to an arms race, making the world more dangerous rather than safer.
