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Former German President Gauck criticizes AfD and BSW on Ukraine support

Former German President Joachim Gauck strongly cautioned against ending aid to Ukraine during an appearance on “Maybrit Illner” on ZDF television Thursday evening, using a striking analogy that prompted silence in the studio.

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The broadcast, titled “Germany Under Pressure – Much Anger, Little Confidence?,” dedicated a significant portion of its first half to the discussion between Illner and Gauck. Gauck opposed the positions of the AfD and BSW parties, which advocate for withdrawing support from Kyiv as a path to peace. He emphasized that continued support for Ukraine is both a moral imperative and a political interest for Germany.

He challenged the views of AfD and BSW, and called on the governing coalition to show more courage. The discussion also included journalists Melanie Amann and Paul Ronzheimer, and historian Philipp Blom, who commented on Gauck’s remarks. Ronzheimer praised Gauck’s clear stance and playfully suggested he should consider a second term as president, a suggestion quickly dismissed by Illner.

Gauck expressed understanding for the frustration of young people regarding pension policies and the education system, and offered a mixed assessment of the Gen-Z demonstrations planned for this Saturday.

Source

Münchner MerkurOriginal report ·

“Gauck kontert AfD und BSW: Video zeigt deftigen Vergleich”

Read the original report (in German) ↗

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