Defence Minister Lambrecht Resigns

German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht has announced her resignation following a poorly received New Year's message and sustained criticism of the Defence Ministry's handling of the war in Ukraine.

• Critics have stated that despite an EUR100bn investment fund for the Bundeswehr created by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, defence spending has failed to climb significantly meaning that Germany will again fall short of the 2% of GDP spent on defence as NATO expects.
• The final straw for Lambrecht was likely the NYE video, where in a backdrop of fireworks the minister stated that the war in Ukraine was “linked with many special impressions” and “many many encounters with interesting, special people.” The backlash has been significant with opponents calling the remarks 'tone deaf'.
• German media outlets have highlighted the two frontrunners to replace Lambrecht: Eva Högl, the parliamentary commissioner for the armed forces, and Parliamentary State Secretary for Defence Siemtje Möller. Like Lambrecht, both hail from the centre-left Social Democratic Party.
• Crucial decision for new defence minister will be about the potential provision of main battle tanks to Ukraine. So far Germany (as with the US and France) is only planning to send more lightly equipped armoured vehicles. Many Russia hawks like the UK and Poland are sending battle tanks, and seeking to pressure allies to do the same.