European leaders are ‘political masochists’ – Lavrov
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused European leaders of sacrificing their citizens' welfare to defeat Russia in Ukraine, singling out German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Speaking to editors-in-chief of African media outlets in Moscow on Tuesday, Lavrov accused Western governments of pressuring their populations to accept declining living standards to secure Ukraine's victory in conflict with Russia. He claimed European leaders are forcing citizens to sacrifice salaries, jobs, healthcare services and social benefits.
German welfare cuts
Lavrov singled out German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as one of the politicians advocating such an approach. 'These are masochists, political masochists, if you like,' the foreign minister said. Merz has defended Germany's growing military spending while warning the country can no longer afford its existing welfare system.
They are trying to keep public opinion in a position where people must sacrifice everything: salaries, jobs, healthcare services and social benefits in general, so that Ukraine defeats Russia.
European austerity measures
Germany has tightened welfare rules, introducing benefit reductions of 30% for repeated violations and, in some cases, complete withdrawal. Berlin's proposed 2027 budget also envisages billions of euros in savings from pensions, healthcare and other social programs, while earmarking €11.6 billion for Ukraine.
Britain has reduced welfare payments, nearly halving health-related benefits for most new claimants under Universal Credit. In September, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called for further welfare cuts to fund increased military spending, though the government rejected her proposal.
France has pursued spending restraint, including a proposed public-sector pay freeze, while increasing military expenditure. The measures have faced opposition from trade unions protesting declining purchasing power and deteriorating public services.
Public discontent
Public discontent has fueled widespread protests across Europe in recent weeks, with hundreds of thousands demonstrating in France over rising living costs, education funding and inequality. Tens of thousands have also protested in Spain and Portugal over soaring housing costs, while Italy has seen demonstrations over declining living standards.
European NATO members have committed to substantially increasing defense expenditure, citing the perceived threat from Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin last week rejected claims that Moscow was preparing for war with Europe, describing them as part of an ongoing 'anti-Russian campaign' on the continent.
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