BERLIN, March 25. /TASS/. Ensuring security and establishing a new paradigm in Europe will be impossible without Russia, asserted Gregor Gysi, a Bundestag member from the Left Party faction, during the inaugural session of the newly elected German parliament.
"We need a security structure, a new world order in Europe. This cannot be achieved without Russia," Gysi stated. He urged an end to labeling as "warmongers" those deputies who believe that the path to peace lies not solely in strengthening the Bundeswehr and increasing military spending. "After all, they seek to ensure peace in their own way," Gysi pointed out.
He expressed the view that the German army "must, of course, be defense-ready." However, he argued that this could be accomplished with reduced spending on the Bundeswehr. He cited France as an example: "Is it really just about the amount of money? Could it be that funds are being misused, considering the French armed forces cover their defense at lower costs?" Gysi questioned. "If we could ensure that no one profits from wars, we would be significantly closer to achieving global peace," he asserted.
The inaugural session of the Bundestag is traditionally opened by the member who has served the longest. In the 21st parliament, this is Gysi. At the beginning of the session, the Alternative for Germany party (AfD) proposed a change to the rules of procedure, advocating that the session be opened by the oldest member of parliament instead. In this case, that would be Alexander Gauland. However, the majority voted against the proposed changes from the AfD.