Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor-in-waiting, advocates for a significant increase in defense spending, citing Russia's aggression as a threat not only to Ukraine but to Europe. He plans to exempt defense expenditures from strict debt rules and establish a substantial infrastructure investment fund. Merz underscores the importance of Europe strengthening its own security in light of a challenging geopolitical landscape, characterized by aggressive Russian tactics and an unpredictable United States. He positions Germany as a potential leader in a new European defense initiative.
"It is a war against Europe and not just a war against the territorial integrity of Ukraine," Merz told parliament ahead of a vote on plans that also include massive new funding for infrastructure.
Merz said Russia's aggression had included cyber-attacks and espionage, arson and contract killings as well as disinformation campaigns that "attempt to divide and marginalise the European Union."
"We must become stronger. We must ensure our own security. That is our responsibility. Germany has a leading role to play in this, and I believe we should be prepared to assume this leadership responsibility."
Merz said the spending boost planned for the German armed forces, expected to add up to hundreds of billions of euros in the coming years, is "nothing less than the first major step towards a new European defence community."
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