German CDU, leader in ratings, promises to support Ukraine in its election programme

The German conservatives of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) have included support for Ukraine and a promise to extend sanctions against Russia in their election programme.

Source: Spiegel, as reported by European Pravda

Details: In the programme block on foreign and security policy, the CDU promises to continue supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression "by all necessary diplomatic, financial and humanitarian means and by supplying weapons".

They also promise to promote the expansion of sanctions against Russia in specific areas. 

The CDU seeks to set 2% of GDP as the lowest acceptable limit for defence spending—currently the NATO target—but does not propose to set a higher bar. The programme also calls for the introduction of mandatory one-year service in socially important jobs and an increase in conscription.  

Background:

• Current Chancellor Olaf Scholz proposed to the parliament to hold a vote of confidence in the government on 16 December, which is expected to pave the way for early elections in February.
• Scholz said he would not become vice chancellor in the next government if it is headed by CDU leader Friedrich Merz.
• In a meeting with CDU leader Friedrich Merz, who recently visited Kyiv, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said that Ukraine expects Germany to "strengthen Ukraine's long-range capability" – an apparent reference to Taurus cruise missile supply.
• Merz has repeatedly endorsed this decision, and in a recent comment, he said that he would only supply Ukraine with long-range Taurus missiles after consulting with the United States.

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