Green Party approves Pistorius's debt relief request.
A contentious issue is emerging with the traffic light coalition over Defense Minister Pistorius' proposal to suspend the debt brake for armaments projects. This is resulting in opposition from the FDP, led by Finance Minister Lindner. However, the SPD member finds support from the Green Party.
Agnieszka Brugger, Green Party deputy leader in the Bundestag, has backed Defense Minister Pistorius' suggestion to exempt military spending from the debt brake. While commenting on this, Brugger criticized the FDP, saying, "Pistorius is right. There is war happening in our continent. As a society, we must become more resilient and defensive against the hybrid attacks that are already occurring."
This issue is not just about military matters but also concerns IT security, diplomacy, and civil protection, highlighting the necessity of a security budget. "Without more money, we won't be able to effectively protect our peace, security, and freedom," Brugger explains. "In these dangerous times, the debt brake is a security risk," she adds. "The FDP and CDU/CSU are just paying lip service to the demand for more security; they don't have an answer to how they plan to finance it."
Lindner's emphasis on redeployment and economic development
Finance Minister Christian Lindner responded swiftly to the SPD's Pistorius proposal. "Pistorius is only offering the option of creating security through debt, burdening citizens with continuous interest obligations," he commented. "The more effective solution is to reallocate funds in our substantial state budget and boost the economy."
Development Minister Svenja Schulze, a fellow SPD member, sided with Pistorius in the disagreement. She criticized Lindner in an interview with the "Tagesspiegel" newspaper, saying, "Lindner's sole focus on austerity measures do not address the complex nature of the global situation we're in. I'm glad Pistorius is suggesting possible solutions for the financial tasks we're facing as a federal government."
Also, Schulze noted that her budget will need substantial adjustments, provided by Pistorius' proposal, to avoid cuts.
CDU/CSU criticism
The deputy chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, Johann Wadephul, doesn't support Pistorius' proposal to exclude defense spending from the debt brake in the German constitution. "I think this is the wrong approach," he mentioned. "Political negotiations are what matters in budget discussions, not legal arguments. One could argue that funds for basic security are constitutionally required." Wadephul also commented that Pistorius needs to utilize his reputation to advance the Bundeswehr politically.
Pistorius voiced his concerns in New York, suggesting that in 2028, the Special Fund for the Bundeswehr will be exhausted with about 100 billion euros, and if additional funds are not allocated, it could lead to an "arms freeze." He's already requesting an increase in the regular defense budget for the upcoming year. "There will be no easy answer to the question of where all the funds needed to close the gap will come from," Pistorius stated.
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- Despite the Green Party's approval of Pistorius's debt relief request, Finance Minister Lindner of the FDP continues to oppose the suspension of the debt brake for armaments projects within the traffic light coalition, citing the need for economic development and fund reallocation.
- Boris Pistorius, Defense Minister and a member of the SPD, has faced criticism from the CDU/CSU, with deputy chairman Johann Wadephul arguing that legal arguments should not overshadow political negotiations in budget discussions.
- Amid discussions over suspending the debt brake for military spending, Armor, a crucial aspect of defense, becomes a prime focus, with Pistorius emphasizing its importance in ensuring the Bundeswehr's capability to maintain security and protect the nation.
Source: www.ntv.de
