German opposition slams government over delayed Middle East evacuation

German opposition parties have sharply criticized the government’s handling of evacuation plans for citizens stranded in Middle Eastern countries amid widespread flight cancellations following US and Israeli military actions against Iran, Tagesschau reports.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul recently announced charter flights to Saudi Arabia and Oman to evacuate German travelers, prioritizing vulnerable groups including the elderly, children, pregnant women, and the sick.

However, opposition parliamentary factions, including the Green Party and the Left Party, called the government’s response insufficient and poorly timed.

“The escalation in the Middle East has been predictable in recent weeks. Protecting one’s own citizens is one of the government’s duties. Announcing evacuation plans three days after the start of the conflict is clearly insufficient,” said Green Party representative Luise Amtsberg.

Foreign policy expert from the Left Party, Jansu Özdemir, also criticized the government’s communication strategy.

“The minister initially wants to evacuate only the elderly, children, pregnant women, and the sick. Such a statement creates even greater uncertainty,” Özdemir said.

By Vafa Guliyeva