Germany's representative head of state, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, slammed the US administration for starting the Iran war. DW's Max Hofmann analyzes the remark's impact on relations with Washington.
I suspect this is the reason why presidents in Europe (Italy, Germany, Ireland etc.) sometimes (rarely) call out this shit as morally reprehensible or illegal. Because they’re just figureheads for the government and don’t actually do anything about it. Meanwhile the PMs (which have actual executive power) actively collaborate with US/Israel and continue imperialism as normal.
Presidents are like the popes of liberal democracies: lots of fancy words to keep the masses placated, zero possibility of change.
I suspect this is the reason why presidents in Europe (Italy, Germany, Ireland etc.) sometimes (rarely) call out this shit as morally reprehensible or illegal. Because they’re just figureheads for the government and don’t actually do anything about it. Meanwhile the PMs (which have actual executive power) actively collaborate with US/Israel and continue imperialism as normal.
Presidents are like the popes of liberal democracies: lots of fancy words to keep the masses placated, zero possibility of change.