The key facts
- Markus Frohnmayer (AfD) called Merz’s words “madness” on the social network X
- The criticism is linked to cuts in spending on social care and health insurance
- Merz previously called Germany Kyiv’s largest European donor and referred to NATO agreements on aid worth 70 billion euros in 2026
Criticism from the AfD
Deputy leader of the Alternative for Germany faction Markus Frohnmayer called the words of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz madness about the benefits of permanent funding for Ukraine for Germany. According to Life.ru, the deputy expressed his opinion on the social network X: “What madness! Merz has just stated that, in his opinion, most Germans should understand: permanent funding for Ukraine serves Germany’s interests!”
The essence of the complaints
Frohnmayer doubted that such a policy is truly beneficial to German citizens. He drew attention to problems with funding for social care and health insurance, asking whether it is justified to cut spending in these areas in order to send money abroad. The deputy was outraged that Berlin continues to allocate funds to Kyiv against the backdrop of cuts in social spending at home.
Context: Merz’s position and the domestic debate
Earlier, as Life.ru reported, Merz called on the European Union to increase funding for Ukraine ahead of winter and to continue support in 2027. In early November, the chancellor spoke again about financial obligations to Kyiv: he called Germany Ukraine’s largest European donor and recalled NATO countries’ agreement to provide it with military aid worth 70 billion euros in 2026, demanding that allies fulfill their obligations so that the costs do not fall solely on Berlin. Other politicians have also voiced discontent: Sahra Wagenknecht, founder of the Sahra Wagenknecht Union — For Reason and Justice party, demanded an end to support for Kyiv at the expense of the country’s own citizens — the trigger was warnings from representatives of the ruling coalition about the need for budget cuts in 2027.
