German Bundestag, April 27, 2022, Plenarprotokoll 20/30, pp.
2675-2676.
Right honorable Frau President. Right honorable colleagues.
Dear spectators in the hall and on YouTube.
I have recently read a very pertinent brief analysis of our
country. It therein says: Germany outsourced the protection of its security
interests to NATO, its production to China and its energy generation to Russia.
– Now naturally that is presented somewhat simplified, yet it nevertheless fairly
hits the mark; since our country in existential questions is dependent on other
nations.
We thus far welcome that this Federal government now finally
wakes up and comprehends how urgently necessary an adequately equipped Bundeswehr
is for the security and sovereignty of our country. The way adopted here, to
make 100 billion euros in new debt, and not finally for once apply the red
pencil to the expenditures policy, we nevertheless distinctly criticize. You
would have also been able for once to increase the defense budget long-term.
That would be cleaner fiscally and, in regards the citizens, more honest. I can
thus far extensively agree with the statements of my colleague Peter
Boehringer.
Beyond that, what still occupies us is naturally the
procurement system. Regardless whether assault rifles, transport helicopters,
tankers or the grand restoration of the Gorch
Fock: The opinion prevails in the German public that the Bundeswehr in
procurement matters is a barrel without a bottom, and the tax money was
squandered, never to be seen again. Herr colleague Buschmann, before you again
get excited: It is the tax money, which is not our money. We need attend to
every euro. A reform of the procurement system is therefore urgently required. This
we have ever again insisted on in the last legislature and this demand we maintain
as before to be correct.
Nevertheless, for honesty’s sake it also needs be said:
Besides the procurement system, it was also ever again diverse conflicts of
goals which have encumbered procurement projects. One of the largest now shows
itself in regards the special fund. It is absolutely comprehensible that the
Federal government, in view of the present situation of ready products
available on the market, as quickly as possible sets about making the Bundeswehr
cold start capable. Yet this presently means that, in the area of the largest
armaments planning, Germany principally commits to products from overseas. For
example, the American F-35 of Lockheed Martin shall become the successor to the
Tornado. And according to present reports, the Federal government also wants to
buy Chinook helicopters from the American firm Boeing.
Lars Lindemann (FDP): A false message!
The Eurofghter, of which a few pair are on the purchasing
list, will still be built in Germany. Yet this cannot hide the fact, in regards
the special fund, that location policy and a recognition of the German economy
simply play no role.
Again: We also see, clearly and distinctly, the necessity of
a consistent handling of the Bundeswehr’s armament. Yet it also needs be said
that, with the projects eyed by the government, we negotiate ourselves into new
dependencies and thereby tie ourselves down financially for decades. We fear
that with the special fund it comes to a further loss of defense technology
capability in Germany, and thereby also to a further loss of workplaces and
ultimately of German sovereignty.
The AfD Bundestag delegation wants to maintain the hallmark “Made
in Germany” and this country’s sovereignty, and we will commit ourselves to
that in the deliberations.
Thanks for the attention.
Lars Lindemann (FDP): Quickly bumbled through!
[trans: tem]
