Where does Germany stand and what is the Federal Government planning? Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz answered questions from members of parliament during an hour-long plenary session of the Bundestag.

What did the Federal Chancellor say about ...

... cutting red tape

Cutting red tape is one of the Federal Government’s major projects – it’s the right way to go, says Federal Chancellor Scholz. With the Bureaucracy Relief Act 4, the Federal Government has made decisions which go even further than before, providing one billion euros in relief. Including the package agreed on at a cabinet retreat at Schloss Meseberg, the total is in fact three billion euros. In addition, 100 measures are to be implemented under the Germany Pact.

Find out more about the Bureaucracy Relief Act here: Cut red tape – relieve the economy.

... Ukraine and the Taurus cruise missile

“It’s absolutely our duty to support the innocent Ukrainian people in defending themselves,” said Federal Chancellor Scholz in the Bundestag. This year alone, more than seven billion euros have been earmarked for this purpose.

The Federal Government had to weigh up each individual decision, said Scholz, adding that citizens were “entitled to a government that makes level-headed decisions”. Germany had faith in Ukraine, said the Federal Chancellor, which was why it was supplying so many weapons, and the Ukrainians trusted Germany as a reliable supporter, he added.

Germany had provided very extensive defence options at an early stage, said Scholz, namely the Mars multiple rocket launcher. German soldiers would have to be deployed along with the Taurus in order not to lose control of the targets, and this was something he could not accept, said Scholz. He wanted to prevent Germany from becoming involved in this war, he said: “I have sworn an oath to guarantee the security of the Federal Republic of Germany.”

You can find an overview of the support provided by Germany here: These are the weapons and military equipment that have been supplied by Germany.

... defence of democracy

Those who attack democracy must not have their way in society, said the Federal Chancellor. The threat from intelligence services, disinformation and threats to infrastructure is very high. It is vital to be ready for defence, and this will take a lot of strength. The Federal Government is making a contribution to this through the KRITIS Umbrella Act.

Regarding the threat to democracy posed by right-wing extremism, the Federal Chancellor said that democracy was a precious asset and that the country must not allow itself to be divided. The democrats are in the vast majority. The Federal Government will do everything in its power to combat this threat.

Read more here about dealing with disinformation.

... pensions

Clarity on pensions: the Federal Government is looking to stabilise pension levels in the long term. There is to be no increase in the retirement age either. One building block will be the new generational capital. Young people had to be able to trust that they were paying into a system that benefited them, said Scholz. The employment record currently guarantees a stable level of contributions. According to the Federal Chancellor, the welfare state is one of the greatest achievements and has to be preserved.

You can also watch this episode of “Kanzler kompakt” on the subject of pensions: Pension cuts – not on my watch.