German Coalition Divided Over Ukraine Aid and Budget Policy

Tensions rise as SPD and Greens clash on funding €3 billion military aid package for Ukraine without cutting social programs.

The German government is debating how to finance an additional €3 billion in military aid for Ukraine, with disagreements over whether to suspend the debt brake or reallocate funds.
SPD General Secretary Matthias Miersch argued that Ukraine aid should not come at the expense of pensions or local communities, prompting criticism from coalition partners and opposition figures.
Green Party leaders, including Franziska Brantner, accused the SPD of framing the issue as a choice between social welfare and European security, which they say undermines trust in Germany's commitments.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz supports suspending the debt brake to fund the aid, but this approach faces resistance from the FDP and CDU, who propose alternative budget mechanisms.
The debate highlights broader tensions within the coalition government over fiscal policy and Germany's role in supporting Ukraine amidst ongoing Russian aggression.