Ukraine a big concern for German voters ahead of EU poll

The European parliamentary elections get underway this week and Ukraine is one of the issues on voters' minds. In Germany the ruling coalition has backed Kyiv to the hilt, with only the United States giving more aid to the Ukrainian side in the conflict. 

However, there are those on both the left and right of the German political spectrum that are calling for Germany to stop delivering aid to Ukraine.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was beating the drum for votes in Leipzig over the weekend. CGTN was in attendance as he left those in attendance at an election rally for his Social Democratic Party in no doubt about his views on Ukraine.

He told them: "Ukraine and its citizens have the right to defend their freedom, their democracy and the sovereignty of their state. A peace dictate from Putin is not acceptable. And that is why we will continue to support Ukraine, because that is necessary."‌

Ukraine has been a big issue during campaigning. On the far left, calling for peace talks with Moscow, there is the newly formed left wing populist group, the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance - Reason and Justice, known as BSW.

The BSW looks set to make its first entrance into the EU parliament. Policies include stopping weapons shipments to Ukraine, raising minimum wages across the EU and watering down climate goals, which is popular with those in industrial and manufacturing areas.

On the far right, the Alternative for Germany party (AFD) is also opposed to more aid being sent to Kyiv. Despite a series of scandals, it could still make a strong showing.

Uli Brückner, Jean Monnet Professor for European Studies at Stanford University in Berlin, told CGTN that the EU parliamentary election is a chance for voters to send a message to those in power nationally "because it's seen as a secondary election."

He declared: "In a secondary election, you kick the shins of the government and then you protest. We have other parties on the extreme left that are flirting with Russia and on the extreme right that are flirting with a nationalist perspective and also flirting with Russia. So it's kind of a horseshoe flirting with the two edges with each other, and then a big majority of establishment parties in the center, and that is their dividing line."

Scholz's appearance in Leipzig was to support incumbent EU parliament vice president Katarina Barley in the upcoming vote. Barley says she recognizes many feel differently but believes Germany must stay the course in support for Ukraine.

She said: "We also want peace for Ukraine. We all want that. I know that we don't always agree on how exactly we can achieve this peace. I have respect for everyone who sees it differently than I do, because I know that we agree on the goal."

Barley told the crowds that Germany would and should continue with weapons deliveries. "My position is that as long as the people of Ukraine want to defend themselves, we are on their side and must support them in doing so. That is our moral duty."

READ MORE

Exclusive: Zhang Zhilei joy at winning 'life and death battle' with Deontay Wilder

Trainspotting reaches a new online generation of enthusiasts

Austria to predict wildfires by tracking runners

For voters in Germany's east, one of their biggest concerns is making sure the conflict in Ukraine ends and doesn't spread.

One woman in Leipzig summed up how difficult the current situation is. She told CGTN: "You can't let them run into the wall and perish. That won't be a solution either. So where is the solution? If I knew, I think I would probably get a medal."

Another man at the rally said Germany must continue its military support and said he hoped "that the war doesn't continue, that it doesn't spread further across Europe. I think that's the most important thing. And in my opinion that can only be achieved if we continue to support Ukraine with weapons."

Even among those supporting the government's position people are calling for negotiations between the sides.

According to one supporter: "They have to negotiate every day. Behind the scenes, in front of the scenes, somewhere. There must always be discussions. There must be a willingness on both sides for those who get along with each other."

With center right parties looking set to be the biggest bloc in the next EU parliament, it looks likely that the current course of EU support for Ukraine won't change any time soon. But there are questions over what influence potential right wing gains, and those on the far left, will have on the bloc's decision making.

Subscribe to Storyboard: A weekly newsletter bringing you the best of CGTN every Friday