German Parliament Debates Historic Spending Plans as Deadline Approaches

Friedrich Merz seeks to secure constitutional changes to boost defence and infrastructure funding before the current legislature ends.

Friedrich Merz, Germany's likely next chancellor, is pushing for a €500 billion infrastructure fund and increased defence spending through constitutional amendments.
The proposed changes would loosen Germany's strict debt brake rules, exempting certain defence expenditures from borrowing limits.
The CDU/CSU and SPD coalition needs support from the Greens to achieve the two-thirds parliamentary majority required for constitutional changes.
The Greens have expressed concerns, demanding greater investment in climate protection and accusing Merz of prioritizing other political goals.
A vote on the proposals is expected next Tuesday, with legal challenges from far-right and far-left parties adding further uncertainty to the outcome.