[Politics] Germany’s defence minister in hot water over New Year’s video

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In the speech, posted on her private Instagram account, Lambrecht said 2022 had presented Germany with incredible challenges.

“There’s a war raging in the middle of Europe,” she said, referring to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, her voice barely audible above the sound of exploding fireworks.

“And associated with that, for me, were very many special impressions that I was able to gain, many, many encounters with interesting and with great people,” she said. “For that, I say a heartfelt thank you.”

German opposition politicians are calling for Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht’s resignation over what they say is a series of blunders, the latest of which was a New Year’s Eve speech they describe as an embarrassment.

Lambrecht drew heavy criticism for a video address released on social media and filmed on the streets of Berlin during chaotic New Year’s celebrations. Her detractors condemned her for what they said was its tone-deaf message.

In the speech, posted on her private Instagram account, Lambrecht said 2022 had presented Germany with incredible challenges.

“There’s a war raging in the middle of Europe,” she said, referring to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, her voice barely audible above the sound of exploding fireworks.

“And associated with that, for me, were very many special impressions that I was able to gain, many, many encounters with interesting and with great people,” she said. “For that, I say a heartfelt thank you.”

The Ukraine war juxtaposed with the festive background and remarks about “great people” rankled opposition politicians as well as some media outlets.

 

Serap Guler, an opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) lawmaker, indirectly called on Chancellor Olaf Scholz to dismiss Lambrecht

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/1/2/germany-defence-ministers-in-hot-water-over-new-years-video