Bundestag before decisive vote: billions for climate and security!

Bundestag before decisive vote: billions for climate and security!

On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, the Bundestag will vote on a comprehensive debt package, which was negotiated by the parties Union, SPD and the Greens. The package includes significant measures to invest in infrastructure, climate protection and defense. The planned changes in the Basic Law aim to loosen the debt brake, what.

The package provides for the setup of a special pot of 500 billion euros. These funds should not only be used for infrastructure projects, but also to promote climate neutrality by 2045, as the Greens demand. However, a critical discussion has relaxed about mentioning the year 2045 in the Basic Law, as possible negative consequences are feared. Lippe Welle reports that the required two-thirds majority is unsure for the vote.

significant changes to the debt brake

The debt brake, which has only allowed a maximum of 0.35 percent new debt of gross domestic product (GDP) since 2009, is loosened by the package. Exceptions are intended for defense spending, civil and population protection, intelligence services and supported countries. This is particularly important against the background of the geopolitical situation and the change of government in the United States, which underlines the need for stronger defense ability, so ZDF .

The Bundestag is occupied by 733 MPs. 489 yes votes are required to accept the debt package. Union, SPD and Greens together 520 votes, 31 above the necessary majority. However, the result of the vote could be influenced by deviators. The name of the name ensures that the results are transparent. The Federal Constitutional Court has already rejected urgent applications against the vote.

required approval in the Federal Council

After a possible approval in the Bundestag, the approval of the Federal Council is also required, where a two -thirds majority of 46 out of 69 votes is necessary. According to ZDF , the CSU and the free voters in Bavaria have already signaled their consent.

The entire financial package could possibly enable additional new debt in a volume of up to a trillion euro. President of the Finance Ministers' Conference has expressed concerns about the effects on federalism. The distribution of borrowing to the federal states is regulated by a federal law, whereby in the future they may also be able to accept up to 0.35 percent of the economic output at new debts.

In order to address the need for action in security policy issues and the infrastructure, the financial package is considered crucial. The Bundestag's budget committee has already agreed to the proposal. Now the election position will be decisive on Tuesday.