According to German correspondent Derk Marseille, his departure had been in the air for some time, and not just because of the remarkable video. In the video, he looks back on 2022, “a year that ended with a war raging in the middle of Europe”. According to the minister, the conflict in Ukraine has led to “many special experiences” and the possibility of “many encounters with wonderful and interesting people”.
“But in terms of content, it didn’t stand out for its strong decisions,” says Marseille. For example, Lambrecht also announced that Ukraine would be helped with ‘5,000 helmets’, ‘while the people were counting on a more decisive measure. His departure really surprises no one.’
It wasn’t even the first time Lambrechts had faced criticism: the Social Democrat became the target of ridicule and criticism because she is said to be little capable of getting the German Bundeswehr in order, despite the 100 billion euros that have been released for it.
Successor
The German Social Democrats are already looking for a successor. Mentioned are the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Hubertus Heil, the head of the chancellery Wolfgang Schmidt and Eva Högl, responsible for contacts with the armed forces in the Bundestag. “Out of respect, no successor will be announced today,” says Marseille. “This will happen in the next few days.”
The bigger question is what Lambrecht’s departure means for German defense policy. “Germany will supply heavier weapons, but now the discussion is about the supply of Leopard 2 tanks. This decision is not taken, the appointment of a new minister could mean that Germany will become more active.’