Union and SPD Seek Green Support for €500 Billion Infrastructure and Defense Package

CDU leader Friedrich Merz signals willingness to compromise with Greens to secure critical votes for constitutional amendment.

Union and SPD propose a €500 billion financial package requiring a constitutional amendment, necessitating Green Party support for a two-thirds majority in parliament.
The package includes significant investments in infrastructure and defense, with plans to loosen Germany's debt brake to accommodate spending.
Green Party leaders criticize the package as insufficient on climate action and demand increased funding for states, proposing a doubling of their share to €200 billion.
CDU leader Friedrich Merz offers to include climate protection measures in the package to win Green Party approval, with negotiations expected this week.
CSU leader Markus Söder distances himself from talks with the Greens, leaving CDU leadership to handle discussions on potential compromises.