Archive: https://archive.is/20250304200800/https://www.ft.com/content/316ef73e-cf54-4d38-af5b-7166c684a13a
A provision would exempt defence spending above 1 per cent of GDP from the debt brake rules, allowing Germany to boost spending on its armed forces by an unlimited amount at a time when Europe faces the prospect of losing US guarantees that have underpinned its security since Donald Trump began his second presidential term.
The future coalition partners will introduce another constitutional amendment to set up a €500bn fund for infrastructure, which would run over 10 years. They are also planning to loosen debt rules for states.
Great summery, but I have one addition: The CDU tries to use a qualified majority that could have formed at any time before the election but will be gone after the new Bundestag constitutes. That also means that while they will likely lead the next government, right now they are still the opposition