Berlin – German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has indirectly criticized Chancellor Olaf Scholz for his hesitation to approve an additional €3 billion ($3.09 billion) in military aid for Ukraine. In an interview with Politico released on Friday, Baerbock expressed her frustration, stating, “To be honest, it hurts me a lot,” without mentioning Scholz by name. She added that for some politicians, gaining a few votes was more important than securing Europe’s peace and freedom.
Earlier this week, Scholz suggested expanding the currently earmarked €12 billion for this year but emphasized that the additional funds should not come at the expense of social spending. Baerbock’s Greens party and Scholz’s SPD party are currently partners in the minority government after the ruling coalition collapsed in November. Both parties are also competing in the snap elections on February 23.
Baerbock emphasized that responsible politics means not swaying with the wind and then acting differently during election campaigns. She also noted that Scholz’s behavior has harmed the trust of European allies in Germany.
Germany, the second-largest provider of financial and military support to Ukraine after the U.S., is grappling with a double-digit budget shortfall amid economic stagnation.