Germany Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht resigned Monday after a series of missteps that cast doubt on her ability to lead her country’s response to the war on Ukraine.
Her resignation leaves the government scrambling ahead of a crucial meeting of Western allies to coordinate military support for Ukraine at Germany’s Ramstein Airbase this week. Germany is under pressure to up its support by sending Leopard 2 battle tanks.Lambrecht’s appointment as defense minister as part of Scholz’s first government just over a year ago faced criticism from the outset with questions over her lack of experience.
Following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion last year, she was further blamed for failing to properly implement the spending for Germany’s $100 billion fund to revamp its military. The New Year’s message though, was seen as a final straw in a string of embarrassments. In the video posted on her Instagram account, she stood outside on a Berlin street with the sound of fireworks ringing out behind her and reflected on a year with “war raging in Europe.”
“Associated with that for me, were very many special impressions that I was able to gain, many, many encounters with interesting and great people,” she said. “For that, I say a heartfelt thank you.”Russia claimed Friday to have seized control of Soledar, a heavily contested salt-mining town in eastern Ukraine where fighting has raged in recent days, but a Ukrainian military official maintained that the battle was not yet over.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Germany's defense minister resigns amid Ukraine criticismGerman Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht has resigned following persistent criticism of her handling of military modernization programs and the country’s...
Read more »
Embattled German Defense Minister ResignsGermany’s defense minister resigned following criticism of her handling of military support to Ukraine, among other things
Read more »
German defence minister resigns after series of misstepsLambrecht offers her resignation following series of fiascos, growing criticism over country’s response to ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Read more »
Christine McVie Was Fleetwood Mac’s Top HitmakerFleetwood Mac became superstars after Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham joined, but bandmate Christine McVie consistently led them in writing hits.
Read more »
China reports huge rise in COVID-related deaths after data criticismChina said nearly 60,000 people with COVID-19 died in hospital since abandoning its zero-COVID policy, a huge increase from previously reported figures that follows global criticism of the country's coronavirus data.
Read more »
Cate Blanchett Weighs In On Famous Conductor's Intense 'Tár' Criticism'I was offended as a woman, I was offended as a conductor, I was offended as a lesbian,' Marin Alsop said after seeing the film.
Read more »