(de-news.net) – Discussions are underway regarding the financing of the Bundeswehr. A number of top representatives of the German federal states, the länder, have signaled support for the idea which is also backed by the CDU/CSU in the Bundestag. Christian Haase, chief budget officer of the CDU, has stated that the Union faction is open to establishing a new special fund for the Bundeswehr or significantly increasing the existing €100 billion fund by way of the constitution. He emphasized the need for Germany and Europe to enhance their self-defense capabilities due to changes in security policy under the new US administration.
Haase suggested that it might be prudent to approve the special fund with a two-thirds majority of the old Bundestag and urged timely negotiations with the SPD, FDP, and Greens. However, he rejected the rumor of paying a political price for the approval of the SPD and Greens as unfounded. Haase also opposed the Green Party’s demand for a reform of the debt brake, insisting on a financial review to determine the budget framework for the coming years.
In a similar vein, Daniel Günther, Prime Minister of Schleswig-Holstein, advocates for the old Bundestag to approve a special fund for the Bundeswehr. He emphasizes the urgency of addressing defense expenditures but believes this can be achieved within the framework of the debt brake. Günther calls for swift government formation, highlighting the need for a strong federal government.
On his part, Hessian Prime Minister Boris Rhein emphasizes the urgency of deciding on a potential new special fund for the Bundeswehr. He advocates for enhancing Germany’s defense capabilities and strengthening the Bundeswehr. Rhein attributes the prolonged duration of the war in Ukraine to Germany’s initial hesitancy. He does not dismiss the possibility of allocating additional funds for other purposes, depending on the compromises made. Rhein underscores the need to ensure Europe’s defense capabilities before discussing other matters. However, he cautions against a hasty reform of the debt brake, advocating for a careful and deliberate approach.
A leading SPD politician, Rhineland-Palatinate’s Prime Minister Schweitzer has expressed openness to approving a special fund for the Bundeswehr with the old Bundestag’s majority. He emphasized that the current parliament remains in office until the new Bundestag convenes, asserting there is no hierarchy between the different configurations of the Bundestag. Schweitzer believes that an agreement with the Union and Greens on the special fund would benefit Germany and require Bundesrat approval.
The accentuation of Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is slightly different. She has called for a joint European defense fund to finance significantly higher military expenditures. She emphasized the need for unprecedented investments due to the ongoing Russian action against Ukraine. Baerbock suggested that relaxing EU debt rules for defense spending would be a crucial step, but insufficient for heavily indebted EU countries with limited financial leeway. Therefore, according to the Green politician, a joint defense fund is necessary, and the strategic organization of joint procurement of armaments must be improved.
Finally, Jan van Aken, co-chair of the Left Party, is willing to support a constitutional amendment to reform the debt brake but opposes another special fund for the Bundeswehr. Instead, he advocates for comprehensive investments in climate protection and infrastructure, as well as restructuring the Bundeswehr. Von Aken calls for suspending or reforming the debt brake to fund projects like the climate-friendly restructuring of industry and the renovation of dilapidated infrastructure. He urges extensive reforms focused on national defense, asserting that the current budget would suffice if defense projects unrelated to national defense were halted.
