Overview

• AfD leader Alice Weidel opened by accusing the government of breaking campaign promises and demanded a hardline migration stance, including fully closed borders and cuts to benefits for Ukrainians.
• Friedrich Merz prepared voters for sweeping social changes, reaffirmed plans to recast Bürgergeld as a new basic security and promote an Aktivrente, and rejected any Ukraine settlement that amounts to capitulation to Russia.
• The session was heated, with repeated interruptions and Bundestag president Julia Klöckner intervening during Weidel’s speech and reviewing possible disciplinary steps based on the official transcript.
• The 2025 plan totals 502.5 billion euros in spending with 81.8 billion in new borrowing and relies on special funds, as officials warn of a 172‑billion‑euro gap projected for 2027–2029 ahead of a Bundestag vote on Thursday.
• Green co-leader Felix Banaszak alleged the coalition deviated from agreements on the large special funds, while CDU and SPD sought to project unity with a joint grill event after the debate.