Germany Faces Political and Legal Hurdles Over Debt-Financed Reform Plans

Union and SPD propose a €500 billion package for defense and infrastructure, but opposition and legal challenges complicate progress.

Union and SPD have agreed on a €500 billion debt-financed package to modernize infrastructure and bolster defense spending, requiring constitutional amendments to proceed.
The plan includes easing the debt brake for defense and creating a special fund for infrastructure investment, but critics argue it lacks clear priorities and accountability measures.
Legal challenges from the AfD, Left Party, and others question the legitimacy of using the outgoing Bundestag to pass such significant measures before the new parliament convenes.
Bavaria's Free Voters youth wing opposes the plan, citing contradictions with the state's coalition agreement, which rejects new debt and special funds.
Proposed reforms to streamline bureaucracy and digitize administration aim to improve governmental efficiency, but their implementation depends on broader political consensus.