The document takes up the pacifist argument carried for a long time by the left wing of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). A “” Manifest for peace in Europe through defense capacities, armaments control and mutual understanding ”published on Wednesday June 11 and signed by a hundred members member or close to the SPD, however has an explosive political scope: by calling for a “Turning in foreign and security policy” from Berlin and a “Resumption of dialogue with Moscow”the text lashes the line adopted by the management of the SPD since the legislative elections of February 23. The Social Democrats have indeed negotiated their participation in the government, under the aegis of the Conservatives (CDU-CSU), on the basis of a reset of the Bundeswehr and more assertive support in Ukraine against Russia.
On six pages, this group of signatories called “Circle of peace of the SPD” deplores that Europe is currently “Very far from an order of peace and security” :: “In Germany and in most European states, forces have imposed themselves to advocate a strategy of military confrontation and hundreds of billions of euros for rearmament”, criticize the authors. If they recognize the imperative of a Europe capable of defending themselves, they call for a strategy of “Décuscalade” rather than a “New arms race”. The document describes as“Irrational” increased defense budget “At 3.5 % or 5 % of the gross domestic product (GDP)”as envisaged by the government of the new Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU). To date, Germany spends 2.1 % of its GDP for its army.
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Source: Lemonde