Germany can push through hike in defence spending

Germany is racing to secure funding for a significant increase in defense and military aid to Ukraine, as its outgoing parliament works to address mounting international pressure.

The country is scrambling to form a new government, with some political figures warning that any delay could undermine Ukraine’s ability to fend off Russian aggression.

Johann Wadephul, a senior lawmaker from the conservative CDU/CSU bloc, emphasized on Monday that Germany cannot afford to wait until the next Bundestag session convenes at the end of March.

“Ukraine cannot wait for weeks. The free world cannot wait for weeks,” he said in an interview with public radio Deutschlandfunk.

Under the leadership of outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Germany has taken a more reserved role as other European nations, like the UK and France, have sought to mend relations with U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly after a tense confrontation between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office last Friday.

Trump reportedly criticized Zelensky and threatened to pull U.S. support for Ukraine unless a peace deal with Russia was reached.

Friedrich Merz, the expected next chancellor of Germany, aims to form a government by the Easter holidays, preferring a coalition between his centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU) and the Bavarian-only Christian Social Union (CSU), along with Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD).

However, the CDU/CSU bloc, now tasked with taking leadership, is determined to push forward quickly and take a more prominent role in supporting Ukraine, according to Wadephul.

“We will do everything we can to convince the American administration of the need to back Kiev against Russia,” Wadephul stressed, adding that Merz will work to build a strong personal rapport with Trump.

European leaders were left reeling from the White House encounter, as Britain and France took the lead in attempting to repair ties with the U.S. amid Germany’s inability to provide crucial leadership.

ALSO READ : Billions prepare for Earth-Shaking Miracles at the March Healing Streams Live Healing Services Streams with Pastor Chris

In Berlin, discussions are underway for the creation of a new emergency fund, modeled after the 100 billion euros (104 billion dollars) set aside for the German military following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine three years ago.

However, this proposal would require a two-thirds majority in the Bundestag, due to the country’s strict constitutional “debt brake” rules on government borrowing.

Challenges loom, as more than a third of seats in the incoming Bundestag are expected to be occupied by members of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the Left Party, both of which the CDU/CSU has ruled out working with.

To circumvent this issue, the government is considering passing the necessary reforms with the current parliament.

“We are ready for that, and we are hearing support from many, including the Greens and the Free Democrats,” Wadephul stated.

He also acknowledged the party’s cautious stance on altering the debt brake but emphasized that discussions are ongoing to navigate the country’s financial challenges while ensuring support for Ukraine’s defense efforts.