Germany's defence minister, retained in the cabinet by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Germany's most popular politician as of mid-2025. Known for plain speaking and for demanding that Germans make themselves kriegstüchtig ("war-ready"). Critics say he can be "a bit superficial" and question whether he has the patience to grapple seriously with the Bundeswehr's bureaucracy. Oversaw the passage of the Planungs- und Beschaffungsbeschleunigungsgesetz (Planning and Procurement Acceleration Act), a law to relax procurement regulations.
I believe in getting into hot water; it keeps you clean.