Former Federal President Joachim Gauck has called on Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) to assume a clearer leadership role in the Ukraine crisis. “It is now extremely important that the Chancellor communicates what his policy is,” said Gauck of the weekly newspaper “Die Zeit” according to the advance report on Wednesday.
Germany is “a country looking for security that has been spoiled with prosperity and peace for a long time”.
The ex-president was critical of the actions of former Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) towards Russia. Merkel could have responded differently to the illegal annexation of Crimea “than just with sanctions and increased dependence on Russian gas,” said Gauck.
The former Federal President emphasized that there are not only moral reasons for helping a victim who has been attacked: “Rather, it is also in the national interest to be ready to defend ourselves against an anti-democratic ideology and aggressive wars against neighboring countries.”
Gauck called on the government and German society to “massively strengthen Ukraine’s defense struggle.” When asked if this meant more tanks and also fighter planes, he said: “Without a question, we must and will deliver more!”
Gauck criticizes pro-Russian tendencies
In an interview with the RTL “Nachtjournal”, Gauck expressed his dismay at the pro-Russian attitude of some people in East Germany.
“The right-wing and left-wing thinking and the shaped souls of some East Germans mean that there is a little more understanding and sometimes even support for Putin in this area of Germany, that’s particularly bad,” he said.
“The support and the carrying of Russian flags to pay homage to an aggressive power that brutally negates the right to life of others: I mean, is it still okay?” Gauck added.
The ex-Federal President said that he could “very well” understand the attitude of some East German citizens towards Russia. “But I can’t accept that.” (AFP)
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