German defense minister Christina Lambrecht resigns after criticism

Lambrecht has held the post since German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s 2021 election. Before that, she served as then-Scholz deputy minister before being appointed attorney general in 2019.

she faced criticism Germany’s handling of its military modernization program and the weapons the country has delivered to it Ukraine As the country enters its second year at war with Russia.

Calls for her resignation grew louder after resignation Posted a video on New Years Evetalking about the war in Europe against the backdrop of celebratory fireworks.

She has also been criticized for her perceived lack of military expertise and “tone deafness”, including loudly celebrating an early delivery of 5,000 helmets to Ukraine last year.

Lambrecht said in a statement: “I have today asked the chancellor to relieve me of my position as federal defense minister.” written statement.

She added: “The media has been focusing on me personally for months, allowing almost no objective reporting and discussion of soldiers and women, the Bundeswehr and security policy decisions in the interests of German citizens.”

Despite constant rumors and calls for her replacement, Scholz stayed true to her until the end.

“She has worked with great engagement to break off a path that has been traveled for decades so that we can manage the major reopening that is necessary for both defense and Ukraine,” the prime minister said. say monday After accepting Lambrecht’s resignation.

Schultz said he had a “clear idea” of who would succeed her, but wasn’t ready to make any announcements yet.

Earlier this month, Schultz and the President of the United States joe biden The two countries jointly announced Germany will send armored vehicles to Ukraine after some observers accused Germany of delaying the matter.