German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht decides to step down

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The German newspaper Bild reported on Friday that the German Minister of Defense Christine Lambrecht has decided to step down from her post.

According to the report, it was her decision to resign and not that of the administration of the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, noting that current discussions are underway to choose her successor.

A poll conducted a few days earlier by the Institute for New Social Answers (INSA) and published by the same media outlet revealed that two-thirds of Germans want Christine Lambrecht to step down as Defense Minister of Germany - amounting to 64%.

Read more: Germans think their nation has done enough for Ukraine: WP

According to the poll, only 15% wanted her to stay in her position and a mere 9% described her performance as positive. On the other hand, 59% of Germans who participated in the poll disapproved of her performance as defense minister. 

Lambrecht has recently been scrutinized for mishandling the country's defense policies and addressing the war in Ukraine lightly. 

A video address from the German Defense Minister, which she posted on her personal Instagram account earlier this month, drew criticism Monday for being barely audible, as it was filmed on Berlin streets amid the chaos of New Year's celebrations.

During the tone-deaf message, Christine Lambrecht reflected on a year ending with "war raging in the middle of Europe," stressing that the Ukraine conflict led to "a lot of special experiences" and mentioned the chance for "many encounters with great and interesting people."

The minute-long message was filmed on a mobile phone, and as per the Bild daily, it "shamed" Germany.

The media has strongly criticized Lambrecht for her response to the war in Ukraine and Berlin's sluggish support for Ukraine.

Politicians from the opposition Christian coalition earlier called for the minister to be sacked.

Minister-President of Bavaria Markus Soeder, leader of the Bavarian Christian Social Party, said Lamprecht was sticking to her position more than climate activists stick to the road floor.

He believed that the Minister should eventually resign or be dismissed, adding that the German Chancellor appointed Lambrecht, and he must now solve this problem.

During an interview for the Muenchner Merkur last week, the leaders of the German conservatives Soeder and Friedrich Merz expressed that as long as Lambrecht was in her position, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz would have his power weakened.