In Berlin, discussions surrounding the proposed financial package for defense and infrastructure have gained momentum, with both the Union and SPD showing openness to negotiating a Green proposal. The proposed plan seeks to redefine the concept of defense, incorporating intelligence services and peacekeeping organizations in defense spending.
Growing Support for Green Proposal
The CDU’s security expert, Roderich Kiesewetter, expressed support for the Green party’s expanded defense definition. “This broader approach aligns with integrated deterrence and total defense strategies,” Kiesewetter told Frankfurter Handelsblatt. He emphasized that the expansion could include civil defense, cyber defense, and even aid for Ukraine.
Ralf Stegner, the SPD’s foreign policy spokesperson, also voiced his approval, stating, “The extended defense concept seems very reasonable.” Dirk Wiese, SPD’s deputy parliamentary leader, agreed, calling it a “worth discussing” proposal. He suggested that it makes sense to broaden the view of defense to also cover internal security and civil protection, not just military defense.
A Multi-Billion-Euro Package
The financial package at the center of the discussions aims to ease constitutional constraints on defense spending while also funding large infrastructure investments. A special fund will be established to support both areas. The Union and SPD are pushing to have the proposal passed by the Bundestag before March 25, leveraging their two-thirds majority with the Greens to amend the constitution.
However, the Greens initially rejected the proposal on Monday, leading to ongoing talks among the parties.
In the new Bundestag, if the Greens hold firm, the Union and SPD would require support from either the Left Party or the AfD to secure the necessary two-thirds majority.
Disagreements Over Financial Priorities
The Greens have accused the Union and SPD of using the financial package to fund election promises, such as expanding the parental allowance and cutting taxes in the hospitality industry. They also questioned whether the infrastructure investments would actually fund new projects or just support those already planned. As a result, the Greens have introduced their own bill focusing solely on securing defense funding.
Differences in Debt Policy
The Green proposal suggests a more conservative approach to easing the debt brake for defense spending. Under their plan, only spending above 1.5% of Germany’s GDP would be funded by new debt. In contrast, the Union and SPD had agreed on a 1% threshold.
Additionally, the Greens advocate for broader use of these funds, not only for the Bundeswehr but also for areas like cyber defense, intelligence services, and civil protection.
Thorsten Frei, the CDU’s parliamentary manager, expressed caution about expanding the defense concept, citing potential legal challenges. However, he was open to increasing defense spending and even suggested that the infrastructure package could be delayed until the new Bundestag convenes.
SPD Insists on Joint Approval
The SPD firmly rejects the idea of separating the two components of the financial package. “Both parts should be decided together,” said Ralf Stegner. Manuela Schwesig, the SPD’s Minister-President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, echoed this sentiment, stressing that investments in security should not come at the expense of investments in economic development and education. “We need investments in the economy, the energy transition, education, and modern hospitals,” Schwesig added.
The Political Stakes
The proposed financial package is seen as essential for the formation of a new coalition government between the Union and SPD. Reiner Haseloff, CDU’s Minister-President of Saxony-Anhalt, warned against a failure in negotiations. “Everyone needs to come down from their high horses,” Haseloff told Die Welt.
The Bundestag is scheduled to vote on the package in the first reading on Thursday. The second and third readings are set for March 18, with the Bundesrat expected to give its approval on March 21.
Read more at Frankfurter Handelsblatt.
Bildquelle: army.mil
