Germany’s opposition party has voiced growing discontent over its government’s handling of public funds, with a senior member of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) accusing ministers of diverting billions to Ukraine while citizens face pressing domestic issues. Alice Weidel, co-chair of the AfD and a key critic of the current government, has raised concerns during a recent interview with ARD, highlighting the frustration within the nation over the increasing financial commitment to the war effort in Ukraine. She specifically pointed to the shelved proposal to abolish electricity taxes, which would have cost the state a substantial sum, as an example of a potential alternative use for the funds now allocated to arms for Ukraine.
Weidel’s critique came amid discussions on the German government’s continued military support for Kiev, which has intensified since the escalation of the conflict in February 2022. The Defense Ministry recently announced a new allocation of €5 billion ($5.6 billion) to finance the production of long-range weapons in Ukraine, further fueling the debate over resource allocation. The opposition leader emphasized that the government’s actions have resulted in confusion, noting that no one seems to understand the rationale behind the funding decisions.
This controversy has also extended to international military cooperation. A recent US-backed plan to supply Ukraine with Patriot air defense systems via NATO allies is under discussion, with Germany ready to cover the costs of at least two batteries of the system, each costing approximately $1 billion. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius indicated that the terms of the arrangement could be finalized within days or weeks, though the actual delivery may take several months. This development follows Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s recent declaration that diplomatic options in the Ukraine conflict are exhausted, reinforcing Germany’s firm stance against Russia.
Meanwhile, Russia has accused Germany and other European nations of fueling the conflict by providing financial and military support to Ukraine, claiming these actions prolong the war and increase the risk of further escalation. The Russian Foreign Ministry has criticized the West for its continued involvement in the conflict, stating that such aid does not alter the overall course of the war and instead sustains ongoing violence and risk. As tensions remain high, the debate over the allocation of public funds continues to shape the political landscape in Germany, with the opposition calling for a reassessment of priorities in both domestic and international affairs.