While it was at the heart of the September 2024 regional elections in eastern Germany, the war in Ukraine has until now been relegated to the background in the campaign for the February 23 parliamentary elections, overshadowed by two other themes: immigration and the economy. Now, with a month to go to the polls, the subject has resurfaced, reminding us of the depth of the divisions it provokes, even within the government.

Social Democrat Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) is at loggerheads with his defense minister, Boris Pistorius, and foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock (Greens), over a €3 billion budget increase for Ukraine. Demanded by both ministers, the package has been blocked by the Chancellery.

"Germany as a whole isn’t currently seen as a driving force for peace policy in Europe, and honestly that pains me," Baerbock told the Politico website on Friday, January 17. "Even now, during the election campaign, some prioritize a national perspective – or how to quickly gain a few votes in the parliamentary election – rather than taking real responsibility for securing Europe’s peace and freedom." she added, without naming the Chancellor.

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