Schwerin (dpa/mv) – According to Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig (SPD), the Bundeswehr has broad support and great respect among the population and politicians. “Rest assured that as the state government, the citizens appreciate your commitment,” said the head of government on Monday at a reception for soldiers in the state parliament in Schwerin. With their service, they make a significant contribution to ensuring security, peace and freedom. Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine shows just how threatened they are.
According to Schwesig, around 11,000 soldiers are stationed in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. About 1,000 of them are involved in international missions this year as part of international alliance obligations, including in Lithuania and Slovakia. For years, units from the north-east also regularly provided contingents for the mission in Afghanistan, which has since ended. In emergency situations in Germany, such as floods or recently during the corona pandemic, you can always rely on the soldiers.
Schwesig drew criticism from the opposition after Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania failed to approve the 100 billion euro special fund for the Bundeswehr in the Bundesrat. The CDU and FDP in the country had denounced this several times. The reason was the rejection of the arms package by coalition partner Die Linke. In the event of differing views, the coalition agreement stipulates abstention from voting in the state chamber.
