Following his party's electoral victory, Merz emphasized the need to bolster European security in light of perceived indifference from the US. Addressing Germany's budget constraints poses a challenge, especially as far-right and far-left parties might block amendments for increased defense spending. He proposed recalling the Bundestag for quick approval of an additional €200 billion to address these issues. Merz views reducing dependency on the US for defense as crucial amidst tensions in Ukraine, although gaining necessary parliamentary support remains difficult due to the opposition.
Merz has suggested he is open to an unusual manoeuvre: recalling the current Bundestag before the new one is formed to swiftly approve new money.
An agitated Merz said Sunday that 'independence from the USA' in defence matters was a strategic necessity and that Germany would have to do its part.
But getting the necessary two-thirds majority in the new Bundestag was 'hardly conceivable' in the face of potential opposition from the far-right and far-left parties.
A special fund could compensate for 'decades of underfunding' in Germany's defence, according to Michael Huether, head of the IW Koeln economic institute.
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