The German government is disbursing less than 16 percent of its promised USD1.73 billion in aid allocations by 2012, with only about USD286 million earmarked for foreign aid, Spiegel Online reports.
“In the international community, Germans are now seen as masters of the empty promise,” read the report, adding that German pledges have long been “stretching the truth.”
The report also criticized Germany’s contributions to climate initiatives, with German payments to at least seven climate funds just a third of its pledge. The country barely clings on the list of top 10 contributors to United Nations development agencies.
“Germany’s stinginess could soon take its toll. This fall, the UN will vote on a two-year seat on the Security Council. Germany is applying for the seat, as are Canada and Portugal. In the end, it will be developing countries who cast the deciding votes,” the report read.