Friedrich Merz, expected to be next chancellor, has spoken of urgent need for ramped-up defence, but ‘blocking minority’ could form in future BundestagGermany’s outgoing parliament could be asked to sign off on a new defence fund in its final weeks as the conservative winners of Sunday’s election seek to balance geopolitical demands with the looming pressures of a new Bundestag hostile to military spending.Since the victory of his CDU/CSU alliance, Friedrich Merz has spoken of the urgent need for Europe to ramp up its own defence capabilities, saying it needs “independence from the USA” amid an unpredictable Trump administration and a looming threat from Russia. Continue reading...
The German parliament is racing to approve a new defense fund before the current legislative session ends. Friedrich Merz, expected to become chancellor, is pushing for increased defense spending amid geopolitical tensions. The fund proposed by the current government, which has nearly run out, could be replaced with a new €200 billion fund. However, political challenges, including a potential blocking minority in the new Bundestag and opposition to relaxing the debt brake, complicate the process. Merz is also seeking a coalition with the SPD, but far-left and far-right parties oppose military spending increases. Discussions between outgoing Chancellor Scholz and Merz are ongoing.
