News of One-Third Reduction of US Troops in Germany... Criticism from German Politicians and Media

"Will Watch Final Decision" Amid Attention to Possible Changes After US Presidential Election
Argues It Contradicts Not Only Germany but Also US Interests

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] As the United States announced the withdrawal of U.S. troops stationed in Germany, critical voices emerged from the German political sphere. Although the German central government has not yet issued an official stance, regions hosting U.S. troops criticized the U.S. decision. German media also voiced criticism over the large-scale withdrawal plan that exceeded initial expectations.

On the 29th (local time), Markus S?der, Minister-President of Bavaria, stated, "(This decision) unfortunately worsens the relationship between Germany and the United States," adding, "It is unclear which side holds the military advantage." S?der said, "We will support all regions affected by the U.S. troop withdrawal," and "We will observe whether this reduction decision is final." Bavaria has been home to U.S. troops stationed in Germany.

Earlier, U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper held a press conference announcing the reduction of 11,900 U.S. troops stationed in Germany. If this reduction is realized, the U.S. troop presence will shrink from 36,000 to 24,000. This exceeds the previously expected reduction of about 9,500 troops. The U.S. Department of Defense plans to redeploy 5,600 of the reduced troops within Europe, while the remaining 6,400 will return to the United States.

German media also reported in detail on the impact of this reduction decision. According to German media, bases in the Bavarian regions of Vilseck, Grafenw?hr, and Vilseck, as well as the Spangdahlem Air Base in Rhineland-Palatinate, are expected to be affected by the troop cuts.

The S?ddeutsche Zeitung criticized, "Abandoning the Grafenw?hr and Vilseck bases is foolish both in terms of security policy and financial aspects." In Germany, whenever the possibility of reducing U.S. troops stationed in Germany was raised, doubts about the actual implementation were expressed. Regarding this decision, it is also expected that no action will be taken before the U.S. presidential election in November this year, including possible opposition from the U.S. Congress.

German media such as Die Zeit also pointed out that this decision is facing opposition not only from the opposition Democratic Party but also from the ruling Republican Party. Furthermore, they highlighted that the U.S. troops stationed in Germany have played an important role not only in European defense but also in U.S. operations in the Middle East.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.