Germany’s new defense minister, Boris Pistorius, took office on Thursday, replacing Christine Lambrecht, who announced her resignation on Monday after being embroiled in several controversies amid the debate over whether Berlin should send more modern battle tanks to Ukraine.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier handed over the certificate of appointment to Pistorius, who until now was the interior minister of the state of Lower Saxony, at his residence, according to the German news agency DPA. For his part, Lambrecht received his certificate of dismissal during the day.
Steinmeier wished Pistorius well and stressed that he is taking up the post in the most dangerous period for Germany in a long time. «For all the challenges ahead and the necessary reforms, you now need to keep a cool head, nerves of steel, strength in leadership, clear communication and political experience,» he said.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday praised Pistorius, whom he described as «an exceptional politician.» «Pistorius is an extremely experienced politician, with proven administrative experience, who has been dealing with security policy for years,» he said.
Following the outbreak of war in Ukraine in February 2021, Scholz announced a massive reinvestment program of 100 billion euros for the armed forces. It will thus fall to Pistorius to carry these plans forward, as well as to address the sensitive issue of arms deliveries to Ukraine.
Berlin is facing mounting pressure from Kiev and its allies to send battle tanks to bolster the Ukrainian army’s capabilities to cope with the invasion unleashed on February 24, 2022 on the orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
