German Bundestag, Plenarprotokoll 20/24, pp.
1930-1932.
The debate on energy security lies before us on the table.
It deals with the basic supply for our citizens and our economy. Herr Habeck,
do you actually know how long it takes to put into operation heavy machinery or
also power plants? For if you did know that, you would deal quite differently
with the real danger of a blackout. And here again, the ideological delusion in
so politically and economically important a debate! You know: Alternative
sources of energy are plainly not capable of the base load. A debate on gas and
nuclear power plants in this connection is long since overdue; and it is
absent.
The structural change in the eastern Federal States will in
any event not secure prosperity, security and an economic circumstance in which
young generations in particular can settle. Not to mention that the premature
withdrawal from the last fossil energy source in Germany, the brown coal, needs
now to be reviewed. I say quite well aware: Yes, it is important to speak of
the protection of nature. Yet the well-being of people must here have priority.
I repeat: We are speaking here of the basic supply, and a state must guarantee that.
Just so a duty of the state is the theme of “domestic
security”. Voices will now proclaim war refugees should be distributed in the
Federal States in the east because fewer people live there. I heard all of that
already in 2015. And here again, the second before the first step will be made.
We first need to know – and it comes to this, Frau Faeser – who then actually
arrives in our country?
Lars Klingbeil (SPD): Women and children!
These people need to be registered. In no other country on
Earth with its 192 states can one simply enter without being registered or
controlled. In Germany, that is possible. Can you thus – the question needs be
put – generally guarantee the security of the war refugees and also that of
other citizens in Germany ? This policy, Herr Scholz, has plainly not been thought
out to the end.
Ladies and gentlemen, under all circumstances, we need to
prevent that trouble spots [Konflicktherde]
infringe upon Germany. Yes, we have war in Europe. Yet we do not find ourselves
at war with any state and it should remain so. We also may not allow ourselves
to be drawn into a third world war, not by means of words and not by means of
promises; as for example, of weapons deliveries to the war zone of the Ukraine.
Valued Federal government, do not continually escalate!
Neither 500 million euros nor 1 billion euros will stop the war in the Ukraine.
Much more by means of this misguided policy will blood stick to the hands of
German citizens. That must not be! A Federal government led by Social Democrats
at least indirectly rattles the sabre in Europe, and after four months has
scarcely more to offer its citizens than inflation, new debts and social
impoverishment. Herr Chancellor, our children and grandchildren will need to
compensate for that their entire lives.
Allow me in this connection to go into the financial
planning of the Bundeswehr. For years, what was the defense budget actually
used for? This question needs now be put in regards this debate. Here, of
course, is managed only the shortage which the last three Defense Ministers identified.
Herr Merz, I need really say to your speech to which I have
just now listened: What you have said of the Bundeswehr is almost cabaret. You
were indeed not there for 13 years, but perhaps you should sit at the table
with Frau von der Leyen and ask for what was the money actually expended. The money
was thrown out the window for consultants contracts. The CDU is also
responsible for that.
Valued colleagues, the Bundeswehr belongs to Germany. We
require a defense army which is well outfitted with equipment as well as with
personnel. To be sure, it should really be asked, why just now is the debate conducted
with so much energy? One thing is certain: Even the heedless sum of 100 billion
euros will not within a brief time improve the situation. New and modern
weapons systems require first of all one thing: People who can operate them.
What should the new Bundeswehr actually look like in terms of personnel?
Irene Mihalic (Greens): Naturally not as you imagine it!
That needs to be discussed before one speaks of additional
costs and additional sums. Will the new generations actually be able to, and
before all want to, defend their fatherland? In this regard, allow me to say
something personal: I have three children, two of them sons. I ask you – you also
have children and grandchildren: Would you entrust your children, Herr Lauterbach,
Defense Minister Lambrecht, Frau Baerbock, Herr Lindner, Herr Habeck and Herr Scholz,
to this Federal government? You, yes; I can imagine it. I not. I would – this I
also quite honestly say – not entrust my children to Herr Merz. For with Herr
Merz as Chancellor, we would already be in a third world war. Here – and of
this we also need to speak in the Bundestag – it is about identity, about
German virtues, about honesty, diligence and order, which future generations
require; and before all things about love of fatherland. This needs to be
secured; for mentalities do not allow themselves to change by chance at the
press of a button.
Please do not misunderstand me: I also would be happy if by
talk alone conflicts were resolved. I think that the time of diplomacy has just
begun. Therefore, let us send diplomats instead of weapons; since only so is
peace made.
Many thanks.
[trans: tem]
