The Christian Democrat Johann Vandeful is the exquisite for the German Foreign Ministry. Who is her 62 -year -old politician CDU;

Johann Vandeful has been the first Christian Democratic Foreign Minister for about 60 years. This will be the first time for several years since both the Chancellor and the Foreign Ministry will be both under the control of the same party.

Her 62 -year -old successor Analena Berbok He has been a foreign policy expert and has been in Bundestag since 2009, where as Deputy Chairman of the CDU/CSU, deputy chairman of the Christian Union of CDU/CSU. As stated on his website, Vandeful focuses in particular “on transatlantic relations and NATOin the relationship with China and Russia, as well as in the Balkans and the Middle East. “

Vandeful has significant international interconnections and is well aware of diplomatic practices. In the past few weeks, the 62 -year -old Christian Democrat traveled to Paris, London and Warsaw, where he had a meeting with the Foreign Minister.

Backup in Bundesver

Vandeful also has experience in security policy. From 1982 to 1986 he served as a permanent soldier in the German Armed Forces and is a Lieutenant Colonel. “I have a close connection to Bundesver,” he says. In the past he has repeatedly been in favor of the best equipment of the Armed Forces and the restoration of compulsory military service.

The name of Vandeful “played” as well for the position of the Minister of Defense – but the post will be finally maintained by Social Democrat Boris Pistorius, the most popular German politician. However, his experience in security policy will seem to him rather useful, as the new government has set the aim of enhancing the association of foreign policy, development policy and security policy.

After Bundesver, Vandeful studied Law at the University of Kielos, acquired a doctorate and received a license to practice. As early as 1982 he joined the CDU. Since 2000 he has been elected to the Parliament of the Schlesvich-Holstein state, and since 2009 he has been a member of Bundestag.

Continue support for Kiev

Germany’s new chief diplomat is expected to raise his sleeves immediately, with the war in Ukraine apparently at the top of his agenda.

Kiev can of course continue to count on German helping, something that Vatteful himself has recently confirmed in an interview with DW. “I think it should be clear to all parts, including Vladimir Putin, that we are standing by Ukraine. We will support Ukraine and give it the opportunity to deal with Russia on equal terms, “Vandeful said.

Ukraine policy will be in agreement with European partners. “And I think, as it used to be, Germany will continue to be a country with a clear will to strengthen Europe and make the EU capable of solving the problems we see in the world.”

At the center of relationships with the US

At the same time, Germany will make more effort to reach a peacekeeping agreement for Ukraine in cooperation with the US, but also to “make it clear to the Trump government that it is in its own interest a strong Ukraine in the European community”.

On the return of Donald Trump to the White House, it seems that NATO member states can no longer be based on the US for Europe’s security.

“Europe must of course contribute more to defense than in previous years. And in this, Germany will take on a leading role, “says Vandeful. “But we also want to hear from Washington that it appreciates our efforts and is still committed to our common goals.”

Germany’s enhancement worldwide

Mertz wants to make Germany again leadership – and for this to happen, cooperation with close partners in the country, such as France and Poland, needs to be strengthened.

A trusted member of the party’s leadership of the Foreign Ministry could therefore help Mertz a lot in achieving this goal, without arising out of the way about the course the country has to make in foreign policy, as was often the case between Chancellor Saltas (SPD).

However, the new Foreign Minister has also made it clear that he will not continue his feminist foreign policy. But what a personal tone will Vandeful give up in his term of office after his first moves in office.

Curated by: George Passas