Coalition Talks Intensify Over Defense and Infrastructure Spending Plan

Union and SPD seek Green Party support for a major financial package, while disagreements over debt limits and spending priorities persist.

The proposed financial package includes a 500-billion-euro fund for infrastructure and relaxed debt rules for increased defense spending.
Union and SPD aim to pass the package before the new Bundestag convenes, requiring a two-thirds majority that hinges on Green Party support.
The Green Party has criticized the package, suggesting it prioritizes election promises over meaningful investments in climate and infrastructure projects.
The Greens propose separating defense and infrastructure funding, broadening the definition of security spending to include cyber defense and civil protection.
Negotiations are ongoing, with Union leaders showing openness to Green proposals, but significant disagreements remain unresolved ahead of Thursday's parliamentary discussions.