Eklat in NATO: released Bundeswehr general for sexism statement!

Eklat in NATO: released Bundeswehr general for sexism statement!

The deputy head of the NATO command to support Ukraine, General Hartmut Renk, must vacate his post prematurely. This is the result of a woman-looking statement that he made during a NATO meeting. He said: "If rape is inevitable, relax and enjoy." A British officer reported the incident, which led to a disciplinary procedure. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) and Inspector General Carsten Breuer then initiated the proceedings against Renk. A planned change to a chief of staff in Norfolk, USA, is no longer possible. Renk could be retired in autumn 2025 at the latest.

The incident not only caused excitement within NATO, but also reflects a bigger problem in the Bundeswehr. In 2024 there were a total of 48 reports on sexualized misconduct, while 376 incidents were documented for suspected crimes against sexual self -determination. Renk, who has served in various management positions since 1983, has managed past missions in Afghanistan and Kosovo.

reactions and consequences

The reaction to Renk's choice of words was clear. The Defense Minister certainly commented against sexism in the Bundeswehr. Renk admitted the incident, but emphasized that his remark was not meant seriously, but was to be understood as ironic and sarcastic. However, this justification did not find the desired acceptance.

The British soldier who reported the statement makes an important contribution to combating discrimination and misconduct in the armed forces. The Ministry of Defense did not initially comment on the incident, but referred to data protection and personal rights. Nevertheless, a formal disciplinary procedure is expected based on an official complaint.

discrimination in the Bundeswehr

renk is not the first to criticize in the Bundeswehr for sexist statements. An internal study from 2020 shows that women and people with disabilities in the Bundeswehr are exposed to increased discrimination. According to this study, 21.1 % of the women surveyed reported discrimination based on their gender. The situation is even more serious in the nationwide context, where the value is only 7.3 %.

It is becoming increasingly clear that the Bundeswehr is under pressure to become more attractive as an employer. The public discussion about sexism and discrimination could help to initiate necessary changes. Defense officer Eva Högl has repeatedly requested more transparency and measures to improve inclusion.

The incidents around General Hartmut Renk not only openly provide a devastating insight into the current problems of the Bundeswehr, but also require a profound examination of culture within the armed forces. It remains to be seen which steps the Bundeswehr will take to prevent such incidents in the future and to promote a respectful work environment.

For further information on the incidents as well as on the ongoing discussion about discrimination and gender issues in the Bundeswehr, Comprehensive reports. Also NZZ.CH offers detailed insights into the developments and their backgrounds. The reporting of tagesschau.de supplements the image with critical voices and requests for action to combat discrimination in the Bundeswehr.