Germany Faces Political Divide Over Increasing Defense Spending

As NATO pressures members to raise defense budgets, German parties clash over funding priorities and economic implications.

German political parties are debating how to meet NATO's proposed increase in defense spending, with figures ranging from 2% to over 5% of GDP being discussed.
Chancellor candidates Friedrich Merz (CDU) and Robert Habeck (Greens) have proposed differing approaches, with Merz emphasizing budget restructuring and Habeck suggesting defense spending rise to 3.5% of GDP.
The NATO Secretary General and U.S. President Trump have advocated for higher defense contributions, with Trump controversially suggesting a 5% GDP target for member states.
Germany's 2024 defense spending reached NATO's 2% minimum, but this was achieved through a temporary €100 billion special fund that will be depleted by 2027.
Critics argue that proposed spending increases lack clear financial plans, raising concerns about potential cuts to social programs or the need for new debt.