Debt package: The Greens are right, but the signal is catastrophic

The message that the Green Party and Group leaders on Monday afternoon can be summarized: No, we cannot be blackmailed.

The Greens say no to the changes to the Basic Law planned by the Union and SPD. They say no to the proposal to exclude all military spending above one percent of gross domestic product from the debt brake. And they say no more than a 500 billion euro special assets for the infrastructure.

The necessary two -thirds majority in the Bundestag and the Federal Council is thus acute. If the Greens stay with their blockade, black-red can start again with the explorations. The basis for the coalition negotiations would then be waste.

If it would be the case, the Union and the SPD would have to attribute this themselves. Because the Greens are absolutely right with their criticism, both in the matter as well as in the process and in style.

To the point: When the special wealth plan became known almost a week ago, well -meaning ended were able to assume that this meant additional investments in the ailing infrastructure. Or at least expenses for future projects such as digitization and climate protection.

But at the latest since the end of the exploratory talks it has been clear that everything should be pushed into the special fund, which somehow means investment. In the core budget, money would be there again for everything the SPD does not want to shorten – and what the Union promised.

To the procedure: It is constitutionally possible that the old Bundestag will change the Basic Law. Nevertheless, the question arises whether the rights of the MPs remain preserved in view of the hurry.

More importantly: The sovereign, i.e. the people, has determined a new parliament. The fact that the MEPs, which are to be elected to a well -voted part, should now change the constitution at crucial points, could also damage the confidence in democracy and its institutions.

And finally to the style: CDU, CSU and SPD have so far been planning their future federal government on the financing basis, which depends on the consent of the Greens. At the same time, however, they did not bend the party and even humiliated them. It wasn’t just negligent. It was really stupid.

The calculation of the wannabe coalitioners obviously works: of all things the Greens, who have always asked for more military support for Ukraine and more investments, cannot end up with approval-be it from the popular civil responsibility.

But this calculation did not work for the time being. The Greens are not necessary for a yes. And this is not only understandable for the reasons mentioned above, but also strategically correct. This is the only way to get out of the defensive on the offensive.

The party’s demands are now clearly recognizable. First, a larger part of the military spending must be paid without debt. Second, the loans from the special funds may only be spent on additional investments, not easy for everyone. And thirdly, climate protection should also be a priority.

This is not only understandable wishes from a green perspective. The future coalition is therefore well advised to respond to the humility offered and to make clear concessions.

At the same time: If the Union and SPD move, the Greens must also do so. Because it is actually about more than legitimately or even party political interests. It is about Germany in the middle of a global political crisis.

If the Greens remained no with a blanket, this would have catastrophic effects on this republic. If a new federal government was at all, it would be under an unbearable burden right from the start.

So it’s time for a real political compromise. The old Bundestag should still regulate the exception to military spending, because the two -thirds majority lacks the two -thirds majority in the new Bundestag due to the blocking minority of AfD.

A fundamental agreement could also be reached through the special fund for investments – or a corresponding loosening of the debt brake. However, the newly legitimized parliament should advise and decide on this compromise properly. Because on February 23, it was elected by the citizens of this country.