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2mo ago

Merz Endorses 5% GDP Defense Budget, Signals Break From U.S. Security Reliance

He said achieving the 5% target will require difficult budget cuts by shifting focus to generating domestic wealth.

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Kanzler Merz während seiner Rede
Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (CDU) hat die Notwendigkeit einer massiven Erhöhung der Verteidigungsausgaben bekräftigt. "Die Zeiten, in denen wir die Trittbrettfahrer der amerikanischen Sicherheitspolitik waren, sind nun einmal vorbei", sagte Merz.

Overview

  • The chancellor cited NATO guidance calling for 3.5% of GDP on military capabilities and 1.5% on supporting infrastructure.
  • He declared the era of European free-riding on American security is over and warned U.S. engagement in Europe may shrink.
  • Merz framed Russia’s war in Ukraine as an assault on European freedom and political order that demands a stronger defence posture.
  • He cautioned that meeting the spending goal will force economic and social sacrifices and urged a turn away from expanding state subsidies.
  • Relying on debt-financed security measures raises concerns over Germany’s constitutional debt brake and an expiring €100 billion defence fund.