Pistorius Insists on Change in Financial Policy - Reprimand from Mützenich

Bundesverteidigungsminister Boris Pistorius criticizes the compromise of around 53 billion euros for next year's defense budget and instead demands around 58 billion euros. He questions the financial policy course of the traffic light coalition and wants more money for the Bundeswehr to ensure the security of Germany in the face of the threat from Russia.

SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich rejects Pistorius' proposal as the defense budget is increasing and the debt brake should be adhered to. Mützenich continues to emphasize the possibility of declaring an emergency situation.

Despite the cabinet's decision on the budget, Pistorius will continue to fight for more money for the Bundeswehr in the parliamentary process in September. The final decision is scheduled for the end of the year.

Mützenich criticizes the planned deployment of Tomahawk missiles and hypersonic weapons in Germany, warns of the risk of escalation, and calls for arms control and the withdrawal of US nuclear weapons that could be dropped by Bundeswehr aircraft.

He emphasizes the need to improve defense capability in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.