Overview

• Henning Otte, a CDU politician and reserve officer, was elected with 391 votes in favor, succeeding Eva Högl as Wehrbeauftragter of the Bundestag.
• The Wehrbeauftragter acts as an independent watchdog for the Bundeswehr, safeguarding soldiers' rights and reporting on military conditions annually.
• Otte, known for his defense expertise and ties to the arms industry, has faced criticism from Die Linke but support from the Union-SPD coalition and the Greens.
• He aims to address Bundeswehr personnel shortages, supporting a new voluntary service model with a potential fallback to compulsory service if needed.
• Otte assumes office amidst ongoing discussions on modernizing military equipment and expanding defense capabilities, with increased funding exempt from Germany's debt brake.