Defense - Schwesig thanks Bundeswehr soldiers for their service
Ministerpresident Manuela Schwesig (SPD) thanked Soldiers and Soldiers of the Bundeswehr for their service at the first Soldier's Call in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern since 2020. "Today's appeal is the worthy conclusion of your deployments. You were away for weeks, some of you even for months: in Mali, Iraq, and Kosovo, in Libya, South Sudan, in Poland, Slovakia, and Lithuania. You all rendered valuable service to us and our country during this time," said Schwesig.
Approximately 300 Soldiers and Soldiers from the Bundeswehr in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and a delegation from the Fregatte Mecklenburg-Vorpommern attended the event in the Old Garden in Schwerin on Thursday.
Currently, there are 12,600 Bundeswehr personnel stationed in MV, of whom 9,000 are Soldiers and Soldiers, and 3,600 are civilian employees. Last year, nearly 2,000 Soldiers and Soldiers, as well as some civilian employees from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, were deployed abroad.
"Since Russia's brutal attack on Ukraine over two years ago (...), our feeling of security has been shaken," Schwesig emphasized. "For us, for the Bundeswehr, this means new security policy challenges, which we must address together as members of NATO and the United Nations. This is a turning point for us all."
The SPD politician is currently Federal Council President. In this capacity, she visited Ukraine this week and emphasized that Ukraine must win the war. With this statement, she clearly irritated the Left Party as her coalition partner in MV.
The Bundeswehr referred to this as the first appeal after the "turning point," which was caused by Russia's attack on Ukraine in February 2022. This attack led to a fundamental change in the security policy assessment of the threat to Germany and its allies, which in turn had concrete implications for the service of Soldiers and Soldiers, as well as civilian employees, in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
- Manuela Schwesig acknowledged the service of Bundeswehr soldiers who were deployed in Lebanon during their absences.
- The German Armed Forces have Stationed personnel in Lithuania, contributing to the country's internal security.
- Following their deployments, Bundeswehr soldiers returned to Poland and Slovakia after serving in conflict zones such as Iraq and Kosovo.
- In her speech, Schwesig expressed concerns about Russia's actions, particularly its invasion of Ukraine, which has affected the country's sense of security.
- Goncalo Gomes, a civilian employee from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, was part of the team deployed to South Sudan, helping to maintain stability in the region.
- Soldiers from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern have also served in Libya, contributing to peacekeeping efforts and international cooperation.
- As Federal Council President, Manuela Schwesig visited Ukraine to support the country's efforts in its ongoing conflict and emphasize the importance of its victory for international peace and security.
- The German Armed Forces, including those stationed in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, have been adjusting their strategies in response to the changing security landscape, particularly in the face of renewed threats from Russia.
- The SPD, which Manuela Schwesig represents, advocates for a strong German military and active international engagement to maintain peace and stability in countries like Mali.
