In a debate in the Bundestag, following German agreement to sending Leopard tanks (which we reported on earlier), Chancellor Olaf Scholz assured the Bundestag and the German people that Germany will not go further in supporting Ukraine.
German commentators have said this "red line" and the previous German "dilly-dallying" is due to Scholz having his eye on his party, the Social Democrats, and their grass roots support.
Writing for the English-language Deutsche Welle (DW), Sabine Kinkartz suggests that the left-tending part of SPD supporters have advocated an ambiguous pacifist approach to foreign policy:
"Historically, the left wing of the SPD has represented a significant voter's base with pacifist leanings. Before February 24, 2022, maintaining good relations with Russia was a matter of course they considered necessary in order to maintain peace in Europe."
This explanation of Scholz's behaviour is less critical of the German Chancellor than several voices coming from Poland and the UK (as we have reported), accusing Germany of disloyalty towards Europe.
Sources: DW, PAP, Radio Poland
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