Germany's Coalition Negotiations Face Hurdles Over Debt and Defense Plans

Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz seeks support from Greens and SPD to pass ambitious defense and infrastructure spending proposals.

• Friedrich Merz's CDU/CSU bloc and the SPD have agreed on preliminary coalition terms but need Green Party backing for key financial measures.
• Merz's proposed €500 billion infrastructure fund and increased defense spending require constitutional changes, necessitating a two-thirds parliamentary majority.
• The Greens have expressed concerns over the lack of climate-focused investments in the proposed spending plans and are demanding significant revisions.
• The coalition aims to push the measures through the outgoing parliament before March 25 to avoid potential opposition in the newly elected chamber.
• Merz has also called for stronger European nuclear deterrence through collaboration with France and the UK, complementing the U.S. nuclear shield.

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