Merz pays a visit to the facility, delivering straightforward remarks
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Germany's armed forces, the Bundeswehr, sets a new visitor record of 280,000 people on German Armed Forces Day. These folks weren't just there for the show - Chancellor Friedrich Merz swung by too, sporting a clear message.
Merz spoke at the Bundeswehr Operational Command in Schwielowsee, warning against complacency in the face of active threats to security. "Let's not kid ourselves," said Merz, "we've gotta step up our game to keep living in freedom, peace, and prosperity."
Merz's visit on the day of the Bundeswehr followed a massive public turnout. Ten locations nationwide opened for curious eyes, showcasing warships, tanks, helicopters, and more. The impressive displays weren't just there for show - soldiers presented their work, missions, and the importance of their efforts.
Politics Bundeswehr Reinforcement on the FrontlinesForeign Minister Johann Wadephul stopped by the Air Force Support Point in Jagel, Schleswig-Holstein. "Effective foreign policies need a strong Bundeswehr," said the CDU politician. "And here you can see the Bundeswehr's deep roots in our society."
Chancellor Promises Regular Bundeswehr Tours
Merz thanked all soldiers for their loyalty and commitment to Germany, emphasizing that he wants their work acknowledged in the country. In fact, he announced that he'd make regular visits to Bundeswehr locations in the future. His intent is to see the Bundestar in action and show the German people the essential work they're doing.
Merz paid his respects at the Memorial Forest, honoring the 119 soldiers killed in foreign deployments. The Chancellor paused for a moment of silence, laying a white rose at the memorial.
The Operational Command is in charge of operational planning, leadership, and evaluation for all branches of the armed forces, as well as the cyber and information space. It also acts as the main point of contact for national authorities, NATO, and friendly armed forces, with operational command for foreign deployments.
Expediting Bundeswehr Modernization
To speed up modernization efforts, the federal government plans to speed up purchases of weapons and military equipment by significantly accelerating procurements for the Bundeswehr. This is evident in a draft bill by the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Economics obtained by the German Press Agency. The bill aims for acceleration and simplification in German military procurements.
Spahn Seeks Nuclear Umbrella, German Leadership
Certain urgent orders will no longer be tendered EU-wide, but limited to domestic providers in the future. Orders can also be awarded after tenders if a losing bidder objects. Previously, this could delay acquisitions by years. The legislator can now initiate a procurement procedure even if financing is not yet secured. Furthermore, documentation requirements will be decreased to reduce bureaucratic burden.
Spahn Calls for European Nuclear Umbrella
In response to Russian aggression, Union faction chairman Jens Spahn calls for a European nuclear umbrella to provide Europe with more independence from the USA. Germany would assume a leading role in this endeavor. Spahn did not explicitly comment on whether Germany should become a nuclear power.
Grand Crossing: German Troops on a European Theater
Whether Spahn envisions NATO allies or German forces, 1200 troops recently participated in a military exercise on the Rhine, underscoring the importance of a strong and coordinated European defense strategy. Germany continues to find itself at the center of Europe's security issue, with Merz pushing for discussions with European nuclear powers.
Sources: ntv.de, jaz/dpa
- Bundeswehr
- Friedrich Merz
- Weapons
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive regarding the expediting of Bundeswehr modernization, focusing on the acceleration and simplification of German military procurements.
In politics, Chancellor Friedrich Merz promised regular visits to Bundeswehr locations to showcase the essential work being done and to acknowledge the soldiers' loyalty and commitment, amidst ongoing concerns about war-and-conflicts and the need for a strong Bundeswehr.
