Germany for new elections
SPD offers Merz talks about reforming the debt brake
The debt brake contributed to the collapse of the traffic light coalition. Now there is a new dynamic in the debate about reform.
The SPD offers the Union talks about reforming the debt brake and calls on CDU leader Friedrich Merz to make concrete proposals. “The CDU must confess: Should the state remain capable of acting and sustainable? Then let us further develop the debt brake together,” said SPD General Secretary Matthias Miersch to the German Press Agency.
Previously, Union Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz had not ruled out reforming the debt brake. At the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” economic summit in Berlin on Wednesday, he said that only the first 20 articles of the Basic Law were unchangeable. “Everything else can of course be discussed.”
The coalition of SPD, Greens and FDP also broke up because of a dispute over compliance with the debt brake anchored in the Basic Law. It only allows new debt to a limited extent.
Miersch said a modernization of debt rules was overdue. “This is not just the position of the SPD, but also of business and science.” Future investments in climate protection, education and infrastructure are crucial to securing our long-term prosperity. “Friedrich Merz has recognized this necessity, but there are no concrete proposals.” The CDU prime ministers are already further along on the issue.
dpa
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
