Policy Shift and Funding
plans to significantly increase military spending, aiming for levels not seen since the , in response to shifting global power dynamics and the perceived threat from .
The country has reformed its constitutional debt brake, potentially allowing for €600 billion ($652 billion) in military funding over the next decade.
Strategic Realignment and Challenges
Presumptive Chancellor emphasizes a paradigm shift in defense policy, moving away from reliance on past peace dividends to robust military preparedness.
Despite the ambitious plans, previous efforts under Olaf Scholz faced implementation challenges, leading to a call for accelerated action under Merz's leadership.