German Parliament Divided Over Defense and Infrastructure Debt Plan

Union and SPD push for constitutional amendments to fund a €500 billion infrastructure package and increased defense spending, facing resistance from the Greens and legal challenges.

Union and SPD propose a €500 billion infrastructure fund and defense spending beyond 1% of GDP, requiring constitutional changes and a two-thirds majority in Parliament.
The Greens oppose the package, citing insufficient focus on climate goals and concerns over its temporary nature and potential misuse for non-investment purposes.
Legal challenges from AfD, Left Party, and BSW argue that the outgoing Bundestag lacks legitimacy to decide on such significant measures with a new parliament elected.
The FDP also rejects the plan, offering an alternative focused on expanding the existing Bundeswehr fund and opposing the infrastructure debt package.
Public opinion largely supports the measures, with 76% favoring infrastructure investments and 71% backing increased defense spending, but political consensus remains elusive.