Martin Reichardt, a Bundestag member from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has accused the federal government of allocating excessive funds to the war in Ukraine while cutting social spending at home.
Martin Reichardt Ukraine spending criticism
Speaking in the Bundestag, Reichardt directed his criticism at Federal Minister Thorsten Frei, questioning why billions are being sent to Ukraine while austerity measures are discussed domestically.
The exchange followed Frei’s recent support for a €90 billion European-level financial package for Ukraine, which Reichardt described as hypocritical.
“Billions for Ukraine, while cutting back on families, children and more. Federal Minister Thorsten Frei welcomes new billions for Ukraine while Germans are becoming poorer,” Reichardt wrote on social media.
Debate over budget priorities
During the parliamentary session, Reichardt raised the issue directly, pointing to ongoing discussions about cost-cutting measures affecting single parents, healthcare, and other sectors.
“Today we discussed countless austerity measures for single parents in healthcare, everywhere. And now you say this is a good day, as new billions of German taxpayers’ money, after we have already spent far too much on this war, will continue to be allocated,” he said.
He asked how the government intends to justify continued military-related spending abroad while tightening budgets at home.
“How will you explain to people in Germany that these measures aimed at continuing a war that should long ago have been resolved through negotiations are being pushed forward, while citizens here are expected to accept cuts?”
Government defends European solidarity
Frei responded by emphasising that the funding in question is part of a broader European initiative, not solely bilateral support.
He argued that maintaining the international rules-based order is essential for Germany, given its highly globalised economy.
“If the attacking side repeatedly and clearly demonstrates that it is not ready to come to the negotiating table, then the options available to us are, in essence, already defined,” Frei said.
According to the minister, the issue extends beyond support for Ukraine and concerns the stability of the European security order as a whole. In that context, he said, European solidarity must take precedence over domestic budgetary constraints.
Political divide remains
Reichardt’s position reflects views held by part of the German electorate, particularly among those concerned about rising costs and economic pressures.
However, the governing coalition and a majority in the Bundestag continue to support ongoing financial and military assistance to Kyiv.
The question of how long Germany can sustain such spending while managing domestic challenges remains a subject of political debate.
