Boris Pistorius will remain defense minister in Germany's new government, reported Agence France-Presse, citing a statement from the German Social Democratic Party (SPD). The new ministers are expected to be sworn in tomorrow, BTA reports.
Pistorius, well known for his categorical support for Ukraine, will retain a key role in the cabinet of the likely new chancellor, Friedrich Merz - leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). As defense minister, he will be responsible for implementing an ambitious rearmament program for the German army worth hundreds of billions of euros.
The goal of the reform is to build a Bundeswehr strong enough to guarantee the country's security even without direct military support from the United States. This is seen as a strategic priority, especially in the context of a possible withdrawal of American troops from Europe in a possible second term of Donald Trump, AFP adds.