The agreement reached by conservatives and social democrats with the Greens in Germany this Thursday to reform the Constitution opens a new chapter in the history of military spending in the country. The reform allows for unlimited increases in defense spending in response to the threat posed by Russia and the need to ensure security in Europe.
In the words of conservative leader and likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, the agreement sends a clear message that Germany is prepared to defend itself. The co-chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), Lars Klingbeil, called it a "historic signal."
The proposed reform involves modifying the so-called debt brake, allowing defense spending to exceed 1% of GDP without limits, which represents approximately 43 billion euros. According to Professor Tim Lohse, this agreement amounts to a "blank check" and the possibility of borrowing without restrictions, marking a milestone in German politics.
The Greens, to support the commitment, requested that this measure cover not only the budget of the Ministry of Defense but also other aspects related to security, cybersecurity, and financial and military aid to attacked countries. The reform, which needs parliamentary approval, aims to provide an effective response to current needs.
In addition to the increase in defense, the creation of a 500 billion euro infrastructure investment fund is proposed. The need to modernize the debt brake and adapt it to the new geopolitical and social reality is an ongoing topic of discussion.
In a context of uncertainty, the negotiations to reach this compromise have been marked by the search for balance between defense needs and social and environmental investments. The constitutional reform is expected to be put to a vote in Parliament soon, which will redefine the framework of public spending in Germany.
