Christian Lindner Argues Against Increasing Germany's Defense Spending Beyond 2% of GDP

The FDP leader contends that Germany's current defense contributions meet NATO requirements, while dismissing U.S. President Trump's call for 5% as excessive.

• FDP leader Christian Lindner stated that Germany's current defense spending of 2.12% of GDP is sufficient and exceeds NATO's 2% target set in 2023.
• Lindner criticized U.S. President Trump's recent demand for NATO members to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP, calling it unnecessary and suggesting it should not be taken literally.
• Germany's current defense spending includes a €100 billion special fund for the Bundeswehr, which is expected to be depleted by 2027, requiring new funding plans from 2028 onward.
• Political parties in Germany are divided on future defense spending: the Greens and CSU advocate for increases beyond 3%, while the SPD supports maintaining at least 2%.
• NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and President Trump emphasize higher defense budgets among European members to address potential threats, including Russian aggression.

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