German defense minister resigns after controversial New Year’s video

Germany’s controversial defense minister will step down from her position after what critics say have been a series of errors including most lately a bizarre New Year’s video for which the leader was pilloried.

Christine Lambrecht will reportedly resign imminently, according to multiple German media outlets. She has been serving in her position as defense minister since late 2021. 

Lambrecht has been slammed for what critics have claimed is a mismanagement of German military affairs amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, including a bungled implementation of a massive buildup of supplies and materials for the Bundeswehr, Germany’s armed forces. 

In a much-maligned video released on New Year’s, meanwhile, Lambrecht seemed to speak glowingly of the experience of the Russia-Ukraine war as fireworks exploded in the sky behind her. 

The war has given her “many special impressions,” she said in the address. “Many, many encounters with interesting, great people. I would like to say a heartfelt thank you for that.”

Officials with the German Bundesregierung did not confirm the minster’s departure with German media on Friday.