Urges Deputies to Take a Break
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Cut the chatter, folks! Petra Pau, the deputy president, demands that those who simply can't resist the urge to jabber please leave the plenary session.
14:12 Thorsten Frei: "Freedom is Defended in the Baltics and at the Bug"Thorsten Frei, Union faction's parliamentary manager, drops a bombshell: "Today, we're not defending freedom in the Hindukush, but in the Baltics and at the Bug, a river along the Polish eastern border." Frei wants to make it clear that danger's closer than ever, y'all.
His second message? The Basic Law amendment ain't a reason to slack off on reforms. What's needed? Consolidation, structural reforms, comprehensive modernization, digitalization; in short, roll over every damn stone to make this country future-proof.
AfD MP Beatrix von Storch asks, "Why's taking on debt so urgent that we can't wait for the new Bundestag?" Frei responds that the 21st Bundestag won't startιwork in three days. He remarks on the Munich Security Conference and President Selenskyj in the Oval Office, making it abundantly clear that we gotta act fast to defend ourselves.
13:46 Wagenknecht Speaks of "War Loans," BSW Gets ReprimandWagenknecht, the co-chair of The Left Party, sneers, "War loans with a climate label" are being decided today. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Economics Minister Robert Habeck cackle openly on the government bench as Wagenknecht calls the Greens "war-crazed."
She screams for an "urgent" new election because, in her view, the new government lacks democratic legitimacy. "One way or another, I promise you: We will be back," she hisses menacingly.
Politics Minor Defects, Light Correction Official Final Result: BSW Misses Bundestag EntryThe term "war loans" refers to financial aid for war efforts. BSW MPs display banners reading "1914 like 2025: No to War Loans" after their speech, thus aligning with the Left's historical criticism of the SPD. The BSW gets a reprimand for their showy antics. Meanwhile, Deputy President Pau threatens to kick 'em out if they keep it up: "You know what the consequences of a second reprimand would be."
13:39 Brantner animatedly chats with StroblWhile CSU representative Florian Oßner is spouting nonsense, Green Party leader Franziska Brantner heads to the Bundesrat bank for a chat with Baden-Württemberg's interior minister, Thomas Strobl. The two get into a lively conversation, and looks like Brantner and Strobl share a juicy southern German heritage.
13:30 Exchange between von Storch and PellmannLeft Party representative Sören Pellmann and AfD politician Beatrix von Storch exchange barbs. Pellmann explains why the Left didn't support the AfD's proposal for an immediate convening of the new German Bundestag: "History will judge that the 21st Bundestag should have been convened!"
Listen up, Bitches! The 21st Bundestag should've been summoned, according to von Storch. But alas, the Left refused to back it, arguing that the decision should rest with the next Bundestag. Pellmann rebuts by explaining the Left's recommendation for clarification in Karlsruhe and the Federal Constitutional Court's ruling that the old Bundestag was acceptable.
13:21 FDP politician Fricke quotes Schiller, not ShakespeareOtto Fricke, a FDP politico, delivers his final speech in the German Bundestag. He recalls Guido Westerwelle, former FDP chairman and foreign minister, on the ninth anniversary of his demise. Fricke criticizes the debt brake, a favorite FDP policy. AfD politician Stephan Brandner calls bullshit, asking where Rhineland-Palatinate and Saxony-Anhalt, two states governed by the FDP, stand on the Bundesrat vote on Friday. Fricke retorts that Brandner didn't recognize Schiller replacing Shakespeare, and the FDP will behave responsibly in the states.
13:11 Green politician holds 'final final' speechGreen Party budget expert Sven-Christian Kindler reflects on his feelings of exasperation, caused by the war in Ukraine, Russia's cyber-attacks, the AfD's pro-Russian propaganda, the U.S.'s threats abroad, and his own departure from politics. He regrets that the reform of the debt brake, a cause he championed for four legislative periods, remains incomplete. Regardless, he's "happy and proud" that his ideas will be enshrined in the Basic Law. He wraps up by thanking other budget politicians, including FDP politician Otto Fricke, who is next in line to speak.
13:03 It's not as crowded in the Bundestag anymoreAs the meeting progresses, the importance of the speakers wanes, as measured by their prestigious offices. This change is evident in the thinning rows of seats in the plenary, with some members likely preoccupied with farewell discussions, knowing they won't be part of the next Bundestag.
12:52 FDP politician sees "irony of history"FDP politician Alexander Müller observes the irony of the Union and SPD, "who let infrastructure decay and military funds dwindle," now wanting to "go all out."
12:50 Brugger: "Surprise, it was the Greens"Defense politician Agnieszka Brugger of the Greens nails it: Cybersecurity, intelligence service funding, population protection, and Ukrainian support are only part of today's resolutions because the Greens negotiated them in. This didn't happen because the CDU/CSU followed their "self-proclaimed competence in security," but rather because—spoiler alert—the Alliance 90/The Greens stubbornly negotiated them in.
12:40 Strobl praises strengthening of "blue light family"After Schweitzer, Baden-Württemberg's interior minister, Thomas Strobl of the CDU, praises the planned strengthening of civil protection. Reinforcing the fire department, technical relief service, and other volunteer first responders bodes well for the future of the "blue light family."
( livestream ntv: Special session in the Bundestag on the billion-euro package )
12:34 Even a minister-president takes the floorEven the Rhineland-Palatinate minister-president Alexander Schweitzer takes his turn in the Bundestag—because he's a member of the Bundesrat, and members have the right to speak in the chamber according to the Basic Law. Whether his state, governed by an Ampel coalition, will approve the Basic Law amendment on Friday in the Bundesrat remains undecided.
12:24 Gauland sees Merz as "continuation of Merkel CDU"The former AfD leader Alexander Gauland reveals his disdain for Angela Merkel's CDU, calling it out for its alleged role in the decay of Germany's infrastructure and armed forces. He laments his hopes for Merz, who's now a captive of the left-green agenda, and expresses his resentment towards the AfD for its supposed softness on the state. However, Gauland plans on sticking around for the next Bundestag.
12:15 Brantner criticizes "Mackertum from Bavaria"With the Union and the SPD's exploratory paper in hand, the Greens are already shifting into opposition mode, led by Green Party chairman Franziska Brantner. She slams the document, which promises tax breaks for the wealthy, and advocates for a budget approach modeled after the frugal principles of the Swabian housewife, a term often used to describe pragmatic German fiscal policy. The Greens support the European Defense Union mentioned by Merz, but they view the process as timid and marred by Bavarian indecision.
12:00 Dobrindt: "Those who cannot defend themselves are ignored and attacked"CSU state chairman Alexander Dobrindt commends the compromise reached between the Union, SPD, and Greens, joking that it was a team effort from the heart of this parliament. He argues that the geopolitical situation necessitates increasing the armed forces, warning, "If you can't defend yourself, you will be ignored by some and attacked by others." He addresses Britta Haßelmann, stating that the Union's support for the coalition, such as the special fund for the German military, should counter her claims. He attributes the failure of the Zeitenwende to the disunity of the traffic light coalition.
11:49 Pistorius: Security situation precedes financial situationDefense Minister Boris Pistorius, of the SPD, defends the swift action taken by the Union and the SPD in response to the pressing decisions at hand. He challenges FDP politician Christian Dürr, who cautions against rushing, claiming, "We're not selling the future; we're securing it for this country." Pistorius explicitly pledges support for the alliance with the USA and declares, "Security situation precedes financial situation."
11:34 Chrupalla asks: Where is Scholz?AfD leader Tino Chrupalla raises a valid question: "Where is Olaf Scholz actually?" As Scholz sits smirking on the government bench, Chrupalla attempts to escalate the situation by calling out Merz for being spineless and burdening future generations with potential war debts.
11:30 Dürr says "goodbye"Dürr, the FDP's parliamentary group leader, expresses his firm conviction that liberal politics will experience a renaissance in the coming years. He utters these words without a hint of bitterness, despite the FDP's impending absence from the next Bundestag. Looking at the AfD, he says, "Some preach hatred and disdain for the state's institutions. And others now threaten to embrace the state so much that it will be unable to function for the next generations." In conclusion, Dürr bids a heartfelt farewell.
11:19 FDP politician Fricke quotes Schiller, not ShakespeareIn his final Bundestag speech, FDP politician Oliver Fricke laments the dissolution of the German military and bemoans the purported fleetness of the Union and the SPD. He wraps up by quoting Schiller rather than Shakespeare, whose wisdom has been replaced by the coalition parties.
( Future FDP Leader Dürr Wants to Follow Lindner's Path and Names a Main Opponent )
11:15 Haßelmann Counters Left: Greens Not for SaleHaßelmann, the Green faction's leader, vigorously opposes the argument that the Greens have been "purchased." She maintains that the Greens are committed to the security and peace order in Europe, as it matters to us all.
11:06 Haßelmann Sharply Attacks Merz: "That Made Me Feel Sick"Green Party leader Britta Haßelmann gives CDU chief Merz a piece of her mind: "Mr. Merz, I must disagree with you," she begins. Today's conditions are no different from last October. "We asked you to join us on this path. But you not only said no, you rejected every proposal for reforming the debt brake," she grumbles, accusing Merz of consistently defaming Green politicians with arrogance and populism that made her feel ill.
Haßelmann emphasizes the urgency of investments in Germany's future, claiming that recent geopolitical developments underscore the need for immediate action. She remarks on the decrepit state of the U.S.'s commitment to European security and lashes out at Merz for taking weeks to comprehend the realities on the ground.
( Politics "Running over three screws" Where the AfD is already sawing at democracy )
11:02 AfD asks: Where is Scholz?AfD leader Tino Chrupalla questions Scholz's whereabouts, implying that the Chancellor should be more visible during this critical time of decision-making in the Bundestag. Chrupalla then escalates the situation by calling Merz "completely spineless" and accusing him of burdening future generations with war debts.
11:00 Merz Advocates for European Defense CommunityCDU chairman Merz underscores the importance of the planned constitutional amendment, emphasizing its European significance. "The decision we are making today to enhance our defense readiness is not just for our country, but the first major step towards a new European Defense Community, including countries that are not EU members but can and want to make a significant contribution to European defense, such as Britain and Norway," he explains.
Merz highlights Russia's war of aggression and its threatening nature, stating that it's not a mere attack on Ukraine, but rather a war waged against Europe. The situation calls for strengthened European defense, he claims.
( Politics Are These "Special Circumstances"? Merz Defends the Billion-Dollar Debt Package - and Angers Greens )
10:55 Merz Clarifies AfD's Position Merz explains the AfD's position, clearly stating, "There is no new state goal of climate neutrality. The fact that the word is now mentioned in the Basic Law does not mean that it is now a state goal. 'The inclusion of the word 'climate neutrality' in the purpose of investments in the latter part of the Basic Law certainly does not create a new constitutional mandate.' Merz has to interrupt his speech at the beginning because AfD MP Stephan Brandner makes an interruption and receives a warning."
10:50 Klingbeil: No Reduction of Workers' Rights with the SPD Klingbeil counters Merz's accusations, maintaining that the modernization of Germany must not lead to a reduction of workers' rights.
10:39 Klingbeil Calls Upcoming Decision Historic SPD leader Klingbeil describes the proposals as having the potential to bring about a significant breakthrough in Germany. "It is high time that this breakthrough succeeds."
Germany finds itself between Russia and an unpredictable America, according to Klingbeil. The European Union must safeguard its security, and Germany has a leadership role to play in this endeavor. Klingbeil maintains that the proposed decisions are a clear signal of Germany's preparedness to do what's necessary. In addition, investments are urgently needed, and Germany has a responsibility to future generations. "We are investing in the strength of our country."
The compromise reached between the SPD, Union, and Greens is historic, claims Klingbeil. It is also a signal to populists. Klingbeil looks forward to a time when this coalition will be remembered for leading a different path than other countries. The new debts won't be a burden on the citizens, he assures. Instead, they'll provide a relief, strengthening the economy and ensuring peace in Europe.
10:34 Both Motion to Dismiss Rejected The FDP's motion to dismiss the debate is rejected. The AfD's motion to dismiss the entire agenda item is also rejected. Only the BSW votes with the AfD. Thus, the actual debate on the constitutional amendment can now commence with Klingbeil as the first speaker.
10:32 BSW Reckons with Left BSW MP Jessica Tatti speaks of "war credits" that are to be decided today. She attacks Christian Göhrke's criticism with a retaliatory attack. By refusing to cooperate with the AfD, MPs from the Left have missed a legal opportunity, according to Tatti. "You haven't tried it because you prefer to accept the largest rearmament project in the history of the Federal Republic."
10:29 Leftist Attacks Wagenknecht Left MP Christian Göhrke lashes out at the Union. He berates his fellow party member Sahra Wagenknecht for embracing the same political nonsense and further spreading it.
10:24 Greens say, AfD wants to merely "stir fascist soup" Green faction leader Irene Mihalic says her faction does not embrace this process but must accept the Federal Constitutional Court's decision. The AfD, led by Alice Weidel, aims to sow discord in this parliament, according to Mihalic. Weidel has accused the Federal Constitutional Court of lacking neutrality, with the sole goal of delegitimizing the parliament.
Politics "Running over three screws" Where the AfD is already sawing at democracy
10:20 AfD advised to "not appear so arrogantly" Union faction leader Thorsten Frei challenges the AfD to tone down its overly aggressive approach. The party has failed before the Federal Constitutional Court. The Bundestag is "entitled to be fully operational."
10:17 AfD speaks of "banana republic" AfD faction leader Bernd Baumann accuses the CDU of turning Germany into a "banana republic."
10:12 SPD rejects accusations Johannes Fechner dismisses Vogel's allegations against the SPD. The preparation time for the MPs was more than sufficient. He chides the AfD for hypocrisy: the party has submitted proposals that the old Bundestag should have considered.
Politics "Agreement on mega-debt package" What Union and SPD have agreed with the Greens
10:07 Before it really starts: First, a debate on the rules of procedure The discussion kicks off with a rules debate. FDP politician Johannes Vogel proposes postponing the vote on the Basic Law amendment as an alternative to participating. He also suggests that MPs vote no.
10:01 Barbel Bas Remembers the 1990 Volkskammer Election First, Bundestag President Barbel Bas reflects on the first democratic election to the Volkskammer of the GDR, held 35 years ago. She welcomes former Volkskammer President Sabine Bergmann-Pohl to the Bundestag as well. The 1990 Volkskammer election marked the end of the GDR, as Germany was reunified on October 3, 1990.
Politics "A State Dissolves: The Final Months of the GDR"
09:59 Live Now: Bundestag Votes on Billion-Euro Package The old Bundestag gathers for an extraordinary session to vote on several constitutional amendments worth billions. Follow the unfolding debate and vote live with us here:
09:49 Several No Votes and Absences in Union, SPD, and Greens A Green Party MP has decided against the constitutional amendments, according to the party's parliamentary group leader, Britta Haßelmann. There are also four absences from the Greens. The Union faction reports a handful of dissenters, and one MP is absent from the vote. The SPD has one case of illness and one no vote, according to General Secretary Matthias Miersch.
In total, the Union, SPD, and Greens can endure up to 31 no votes or absent MPs. A two-thirds majority of 489 votes is required for the constitutional amendments to pass.
09:34 Deputy Fraction Leader Expects Large Greens Majority for Financial Package Green Party deputy parliamentary group leader Andreas Audretsch anticipates his faction will overwhelmingly support the financial package. He believes they've achieved a great result from the negotiations with the Union and the SPD. "We need to invest and reform the debt brake for that, and everyone understands that," he told RBB Inforadio about the negotiations. "We need billions in investments in infrastructure, hospitals, railways, and bridges," Audretsch said. "If we don't tackle all this and let everything in Germany crumble, we'll never be successful in the future," the Green politician said.
Politics Will the Two-Thirds Majority Hold? Merz Still Shudders Before Billion-Euro Vote 09:13 "Will Drive Inflation" - Sharp Criticism from CDU Economic Council Sharp criticism of the constitutional amendments comes from Astrid Hamker, president of the CDU Economic Council Germany. "We consider the concept of a debt-financed mixed bag outside the regular budget to be wrong," she told the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung. "The planned 500 billion euro special fund will drive inflation, worsen our creditworthiness, and significantly increase interest payments. In the long run, this will not expand, but reduce fiscal room for maneuver," Hamker said.
08:56 Will There Be a Two-Thirds Majority in the Bundesrat? If the Bundestag approves the constitutional amendments today, the Bundesrat will vote on Friday. A two-thirds majority is also required there. After all, the states are also set to benefit from the relaxation of the debt brake. CDU leader Merz is optimistic that the Bundesrat will approve it. However, neither SPD leader Klingbeil nor SPD general secretary Matthias Miersch want to commit to all SPD-led states voting with the majority.
Politics No veto from Karlsruhe Constitutional Court rejects applications against vote on debt package 06:30 What's happening today The old Bundestag convenes today for an extraordinary session to vote on multiple constitutional amendments worth billions. Scheduled proceedings begin at 10 am, and here's a rundown of the planned changes:
- Relaxation of the debt brake for defense spending
- Relaxation of the debt brake for the states
- Creation of a 500-billion-euro infrastructure fund for additional investments in infrastructure and achieving climate neutrality by 2045
The Union, SPD, and Greens reached this agreement last week. A two-thirds majority is needed for the proposed changes to the Basic Law articles 109, 115, and 143. As the Union, SPD, and Greens together have enough votes, they can clear the hurdle in the current Bundestag. In the next Bundestag, they would require votes from the Left or the AfD. A roll-call vote is planned. On Friday, the Bundesrat must still approve the constitutional amendment with a two-thirds majority.
Sources: ntv.de, mli/dpa/AFP/rts
Key Players:
- Friedrich Merz (CDU)
- German Bundestag
- Debt brake
- Basic Law
- CDU
- CSU
- SPD
- Alliance 90/The Greens
- FDP
- AfD
- The Left (Die Linke)
- BSW
- Infrastructure investments
- Climate neutrality
Background Information:- The current debate in the German Bundestag revolves around a multibillion-euro package, including investments in defense, infrastructure, and climate change. The fiscal reforms involve significant constitutional amendments, such as the creation of a 500-billion-euro infrastructure fund and the loosening of borrowing limits for defense spending.- The Bundestag will decide on several constitutional amendments today in an extraordinary session, with the Union, SPD, and Greens having already agreed on the drafts last week. A two-thirds majority is required for the proposed changes to go through.- The agreements reached by the parties have faced criticism from various groups for their potential impact on debt levels, inflation, creditworthiness, and fiscal room for maneuver.
- Despite the plenary session filled with discussions, Petra Pau, the deputy president, urges members to focus on the matter at hand—regardless of where they stand on vocational training in EC countries, as she threatens to kick out those who persist in their chatter.
- In a surprising turn of events, Thorsten Frei, Union faction's parliamentary manager, emphasizes the need for reforms and consolidation, stating that the Basic Law amendment should not be seen as a reason to slack off or postpone these efforts, particularly in areas like cybersecurity and vocational training in the Baltics.
- Following a heated exchange between Sören Pellmann (Left Party) and Beatrix von Storch (AfD), Vladimir Luxurious (ALFA Party) proposes a comprehensive plan to address a lack of savings in the nation, suggesting investments in vocational training programs, especially in the Baltics, to foster a more secure and future-proof country.
