German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Minister for Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock want to push through a new missile upgrade in Germany. But that could put Germany in Putin’s crosshairs. There has been no debate about it so far. Now resistance to the plan is growing.
Germany is deploying American medium-range missiles that can carry nuclear warheads. This was the most surprising outcome of the recent NATO summit. Chancellor Olaf Scholz signed an agreement for this. The German government presents this new NATO rearmament on German soil – starting in 2026 – as routine, calling it a way to close a “capability gap” and a necessary reaction to Russia’s military upgrade.
The question is: Will Olaf Scholz and his government succeed with this plan?
The German government is understating the importance and potential consequences of this decision. Placing American medium-range weapons in Germany changes the country’s security status. It’s possible that this could make Germany a target for Russia, as Moscow might see its nuclear strategy threatened by Berlin.
Germany’s re-armament: Will Baerbock’s view prevail?
Leading Germany’s re-armament are two key ministers: Social Democrat Boris Pistorius, who aims to make Germany “combat-ready” again, and Green Party member Annalena Baerbock. Baerbock recently stated at a European foreign ministers’ meeting that Russia had “ruined” cooperation with the West on disarmament.
But is this accurate? And will the public and other politicians agree with Baerbock’s reasoning for this decision?
While some military experts support the government’s view on rearmament, some Social Democrats in parliament disagree. The first to voice major concerns publicly was Rolf Mützenich, the parliamentary group leader.
This is significant because Mützenich’s job is to gather support for the Social Democratic Chancellor among his party members in parliament.
The former disarmament party has become pro-armament
The Greens’ stance is noteworthy. In the 1980s, they were part of the peace movement that protested against American missiles in Germany. Now, they support increased armament.
One thing remains the same: The Greens’ absolute conviction in their stance, whether it was for disarmament then or for armament now.
The Greens are now among the strongest supporters of sending weapons to Ukraine to fight against Russian invasion. They also promote the idea that negotiating with Vladimir Putin is impossible.
Baerbock claims Putin has “ruined” disarmament efforts
Baerbock criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s peace efforts, calling them an “ego trip.” Orban, whose country is part of NATO and the EU, had spoken with leaders from Ukraine, Russia, China, and the US about the conflict.
Baerbock blames Putin entirely for the current rearmament. However, in recent years, the US has also ended several important disarmament agreements with Russia, including treaties on missile inspections and deployment.
Baerbock argues that Putin has expanded his military threat to Europe and broken peace agreements for years. She says increased deterrence and new weapons are necessary, calling any other approach “irresponsible” and “naive.”
A major decision made without public debate
Baerbock and Scholz face a challenge: Not everyone agrees with their view, including potential future US leaders like Donald Trump or Kamala Harris, whose stances on this issue are unclear.
In essence, Germany has made a significant decision about its security by agreeing to host US missiles. This decision comes at a time of great uncertainty in foreign policy and during an ongoing war between East and West. Importantly, this decision was made without public debate.
