Back Zeitenwende-Rede German Discurso Zeitenwende Spanish Discours du Zeitenwende French 時代の転換点演説 Japanese ცაიტენვენდეს სიტყვა Georgian
The Zeitenwende speech was an address delivered to the Bundestag by Olaf Scholz, the Chancellor of Germany, on 27 February 2022. His speech was a reaction to the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February. Scholz described the attack as a "historic turning point" (German: Zeitenwende, literally: "times-turn," referring to the change from one age or era to another) and announced that in response his government would use a €100 billion off-budget fund to significantly increase military spending, reversing Germany's previously cautious defence policy.
Scholz's speech was well received by most German and international politicians, and was endorsed by the leader of the opposition Friedrich Merz.[1] The speech represented a major turning point for Germany’s policies in the areas of energy, relations with Russia, and security.[2]
- ^ Helferich, John (2023). "The (false) promise of Germany's Zeitenwende". European View. 22 (1): 85–95. doi:10.1177/17816858231157556. ISSN 1781-6858.
- ^ Deni et al. 2025, p. ix.