A major scandal has shaken the German Bundeswehr. In Paratrooper Regiment 26 in Zweibrücken, Rhineland-Palatinate, cases of right-wing extremism, sexual misconduct, and drug abuse have been reported. Several soldiers have already been dismissed, while prosecutors are investigating 19 others.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius described the incidents on Wednesday, December 30, as “shocking,” stressing that they represent a blatant violation of the Bundeswehr’s values. He stated that extremism, sexual harassment, and drug use have no place in the armed forces.
The minister criticized the initial response of local leadership, which failed to handle the reports with the necessary rigor. Lieutenant General Christian Freuding, Inspector General of the Army, has since launched immediate measures, which will be consolidated into an “Action Plan for Airborne Forces.”
Pistorius outlined three key objectives: full disclosure of all incidents, strict punishment of further violations, and restoration of trust in military leadership.
Sources - Agencies
