CDU Members of European Parliament argue against constitutional amendment, but consensus exists for approval
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It's no secret that Germany's political landscape has been buzzing lately, and the week of March 21, 2025 proved to be no exception. The Bundestag, in an extraordinary session, approved a series of constitutional amendments aimed at significantly boosting defense spending and infrastructure investments. The proposals in question relaxed the country's debt brake, allowing for defense spending above 1% of GDP to be exempt from constitutional borrowing limits. Let's delve into the heart of the matter and see what went down.
14:58 Session Continues, FDP Bill Rejected
The drama unfolded as the session resumed, following a vote on an FDP bill aimed at loosening the debt brake but increasing the existing special fund for the Bundeswehr by 200 billion euros. Unfortunately for the Liberals, this bill was promptly rejected in a roll-call vote. Out of 717 votes cast, only 87 were in favor. 627 MPs voted against, and 3 abstained.
14:33 Debate Closed, FDP MP Speaks Anyway
Before the vote, Bundestag President Barbara Bas closed the debate, then, to the surprise of many, an FDP MP, Frank Schaeffler, took the stage to make a personal statement. Schaeffler challenged the political legitimacy of the planned decision, but it had already been discussed extensively in the debate – apparently not by everyone.
14:15 Deputy Speaker Pau Urges Whispering MPs to Quiet Down
As a vote loomed, the Bundestag was filled with the chatter of MPs, moving conversations from the corridors into the chamber. Deputy Speaker Petra Pau urged those with "irresistible conversational needs" to please leave the plenary.
As the hours passed, CDU MP Tilman Kuban stepped up to announce his decision to vote for the constitutional amendment, despite finding it "not easy." Kuban, the former chairman of the Young Union, emphasized the dire consequences of failing to vote for the constitutional amendment, which included a leaderless Germany, volatile financial markets, and a potential surge in influence for right and left populists, making a Kenya coalition (Union, SPD, Greens) the only viable option.
Historical Antecedents and Controversies
Historical context and controversy are never far from German politics, and this situation proved no exception. The Bundestag's decision to greenlight the billion-euro package sparked debate, with Schaeffler denouncing the exchange as "war credits with a climate label." While some party leaders argued otherwise,Green Party budget expert Sven-Christian Kindler referenced the early 20th century, employing the term "war credits," to describe the decisive action taken.
The tension between the Union and the SPD, on one hand, and the Left and Greens, on the other, was palpable throughout the session, with each side criticizing the others for their stances on defense spending and state modernization. The now-retired Green Parliament member, Sven-Christian Kindler, even called this a "rebirth of liberal politics" in his final speech before leaving the Bundestag.
What's Next?
The vote in the Bundestag was a crucial step, securing a two-thirds majority before the new parliament convenes. This move bypasses potential opposition from the incoming parliament, where smaller parties like the AfD and The Left will have more influence. The passage of these constitutional amendments represents a significant shift in Germany's defense and economic policies, reflecting both domestic political dynamics and international pressures.
The decisions made in this extraordinary session invite numerous questions about Germany's future, its role in global politics, and the implications for its domestic situation. As the European landscape continues to evolve, these questions will undoubtedly fuel the fires of debate and intrigue, keeping the German Bundestag in the headlines for months to come.
EC countries may need to reevaluate their vocational training programs to prepare workers for an increasingly competitive global market, given Germany's significant boost in defense spending and infrastructure investments following the constitutional amendments approved by its parliament. The failure of the FDP MP, Frank Schaeffler, to adhere to Bundestag President Barbara Bas' closure of the debate has raised concerns about the effectiveness of parliamentary procedures, especially as these constitutional amendments could set a precedent for other countries. Kuban, a former chairman of the Young Union, warns that a "spineless" Germany may face a leaderless future, volatile financial markets, and a rise in influence for right and left populists if these amendments are not passed, a reminder of the historical consequences of weakness during times of crisis, as seen in the early 20th century.
