Friedrich Merz Defends Shift on Germany's Debt Brake Reform

The CDU leader rejects accusations of election deception, emphasizing the necessity of constitutional changes for investment and defense spending.

Friedrich Merz, CDU leader and likely next German chancellor, has dismissed accusations of misleading voters regarding his support for reforming the debt brake.
Merz stated he had previously signaled openness to constitutional changes, arguing that such reforms are needed to enable critical investments in infrastructure and defense.
A coalition agreement between CDU/CSU, SPD, and Greens includes a €500 billion debt-financed package, with €100 billion allocated to climate protection measures.
The reform requires a two-thirds majority in the Bundestag, prompting a vote in the outgoing parliament to bypass potential opposition from the new composition.
Critics, including FDP and Left Party leaders, accuse Merz of political opportunism and undermining fiscal responsibility, while the CDU defends the reform as addressing current challenges.