Germany: Thousands of Billions of Euros for Weapons and Roads

The German Bundestag votes yes to constitutional amendments enabling loans of around a thousand billion euros for defense and infrastructure. We must rebuild our defense capabilities, says the country's likely future Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

» Published: March 18 2025

Germany: Thousands of Billions of Euros for Weapons and Roads
Photo: Ebrahim Noroozi/DPA/AP/TT

500 billion in new loans for roads, railways, bridges, and other infrastructure. And a relaxation of budget rules, which opens up for defense investments of the same magnitude, making Germany a global heavyweight not only economically, but also militarily.

The incoming government in Berlin has not even taken office, but the governing parties managed to push through the historic financial package with the help of the Greens. This after promises of climate investments of around 100 billion euros, which will be taken from the newly established infrastructure fund.

"War of aggression against Europe"

Christian Democrat Friedrich Merz (CDU), who previously said no to a reform of the constitutionally enshrined debt brake, reversed his stance after the election victory in February. Together with the future coalition partner Social Democrats (SPD), an agreement was reached to change the constitution to enable the payment for massive investments in both defense and infrastructure with new credits.

The reason is the deteriorating security situation in the world, which has become even more serious in recent weeks, said Merz in an interview over the weekend, where he pointed to the USA's and Russia's rapprochement and Trump's unclear view on NATO cooperation. Ahead of Tuesday's vote, CDU leader called the Ukraine war an "war of aggression against Europe".

For defense, all expenditures exceeding one percent of GDP (around 43 billion euros) are exempt from the strict borrowing rules and can be financed with loans. In addition to the budget for the Bundeswehr, this includes, among other things, civil defense, intelligence services, and cybersecurity.

Hurry to vote

Since the fringe parties Die Linke and AFD together have more than a third of the seats in the incoming federal parliament, it was urgent for Merz to get a vote with the outgoing parliament, where it was enough with the Greens' votes to reach the qualified majority required. The Greens initially said no, but reversed after getting through demands for money for climate protection. 513 members voted yes in Tuesday's vote, 24 more than the 489 required.

The unusual procedure and what some see as a broken promise from Merz has led to criticism. The Constitutional Court has received several complaints, which have been dismissed.

In order to come into force, the package also needs to be approved by the Federal Council, where the states are represented. The vote is expected to take place on Friday and appears to be able to go through with a narrow margin.

Tags

TTT
By TT - Translated and adapted by Sweden Herald

More news

Pope Francis Remembered for Humility
1 MIN READ

Pope Francis Remembered for Humility and Moral Leadership

Pope Francis Radiated Kindness and
1 MIN READ

Pope Francis Radiated Kindness and Empathy to All

The Pope Who Took the
3 MIN READ

The Pope Who Took the Bus to Reform the Church

Israel's Finance Minister Prioritizes Gaza
3 MIN READ

Israel's Finance Minister Prioritizes Gaza Solution Over Hostages

Norway's Leaders Meet with Trump
2 MIN READ

Norway's Leaders Meet with Trump at White House

Ukraine's Elderly Bear the Brunt
3 MIN READ

Ukraine's Elderly Bear the Brunt of War's Devastation

Russia Breaks Easter Truce with
2 MIN READ

Russia Breaks Easter Truce with Thousands of Attacks on Ukraine

Genre image
1 MIN READ

12 Killed, 30 Injured in US Airstrikes on Yemen's Capital

Israel Revokes Visas for 27
1 MIN READ

Israel Revokes Visas for 27 French Politicians Over Palestine Stance

El Salvador's President Proposes Prisoner
2 MIN READ

El Salvador's President Proposes Prisoner Swap with Venezuela

Hegseth Embroiled in New Chat
3 MIN READ

Hegseth Embroiled in New Chat Scandal, Shared Secrets with Family

Back on Earth at 70:
1 MIN READ

Back on Earth at 70: Astronaut Celebrates Birthday with Kazakhstan Landing

Easter Surprise: Zurich Zoo Welcomes
1 MIN READ

Easter Surprise: Zurich Zoo Welcomes New Elephant Calf

Israel's Ambulance Shooting Probe Sparks
3 MIN READ

Israel's Ambulance Shooting Probe Sparks Outrage

Kyiv Residents Skeptical of Russian
2 MIN READ

Kyiv Residents Skeptical of Russian Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Fears

Gaza Ceasefire Talks Stall, Qatar
2 MIN READ

Gaza Ceasefire Talks Stall, Qatar Mediator Expresses Frustration

Pope Francis Calls for Freedom
1 MIN READ

Pope Francis Calls for Freedom of Expression as Key to Peace

Snails Become Surprising Lifeline in
2 MIN READ

Snails Become Surprising Lifeline in Crisis-Hit Tunisia

Norway's Easter Divide: 40% Don't
1 MIN READ

Norway's Easter Divide: 40% Don't Believe in Jesus' Resurrection

Record Turnout for Canada's Advance
1 MIN READ

Record Turnout for Canada's Advance Voting as Election Nears

Wild Waves in Australia Claim
1 MIN READ

Wild Waves in Australia Claim Six Lives Over Easter Weekend

Putin Refuses to Extend Ukraine
3 MIN READ

Putin Refuses to Extend Ukraine Ceasefire

Four Killed in Small Plane
1 MIN READ

Four Killed in Small Plane Crash in Illinois

Genre image
1 MIN READ

Eleven Dead in Delhi Building Collapse, Several Rescued

Thousands Rally Across U.S. in
1 MIN READ

Thousands Rally Across U.S. in New Wave of Protests Against Trump

US Conducts New Air Strikes
1 MIN READ

US Conducts New Air Strikes on Huthi-Controlled Areas in Yemen

Genre image
1 MIN READ

Conflicting Reports Emerge on Congo Boat Disaster Casualties

Israeli Attacks in Gaza Leave
1 MIN READ

Israeli Attacks in Gaza Leave at Least 54 Dead, Officials Report

Netanyahu: Hamas Blocks Hostage Deal,
2 MIN READ

Netanyahu: Hamas Blocks Hostage Deal, Protests Erupt in Israel

UK Protests Erupt Over Supreme
1 MIN READ

UK Protests Erupt Over Supreme Court's Gender Identity Ruling

Cat Briefly Ventures into White
1 MIN READ

Cat Briefly Ventures into White House, Reunited with Owner

Russia and Ukraine Exchange Over
1 MIN READ

Russia and Ukraine Exchange Over 240 Prisoners in Rare Cooperation

Skepticism Surrounds Putin's Ceasefire Announcement
2 MIN READ

Skepticism Surrounds Putin's Ceasefire Announcement in Ukraine

Taliban Voices Concern Over Pakistan's
1 MIN READ

Taliban Voices Concern Over Pakistan's Afghan Deportations

Trump's Push to Reshape Federal
2 MIN READ

Trump's Push to Reshape Federal Bureaucracy Raises Power Balance Concerns

Car Workers Question Impact of
5 MIN READ

Car Workers Question Impact of Trump's Tariffs on Jobs