Germany’s Next Leader Pushes for Aid to Ukraine
Friedrich Merz, Germany‘s likely next chancellor, wants to approve a 3 billion euro ($3.2 billion) defense aid package for Ukraine before the current parliament ends its term.
Merz said at a press conference that he plans to talk to outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz about the aid package. However, Scholz has opposed the package unless it’s funded by additional government borrowing.
Germany’s incoming chancellor wants to reform debt break rules to increase defense spending as Europe is expected to take more responsibility for its security and Ukraine during Donald Trump’s presidency.
The conservative CDU/CSU alliance won parliamentary elections with almost 29% of the vote. Merz’s party is in talks with Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) to form a new government.
Germany has already allocated 4 billion euros ($4.1 billion) in military support for Ukraine this year. The additional package would bring the total to 7 billion ($7.2 billion).
The defense aid includes three IRIS-T air defense systems, surface-to-air missiles, and drones.
Merz says the additional aid can be approved as off-budget expenditure. He plans to negotiate with pro-Ukraine moderate parties in the current Bundestag to pass the bills quickly.
In the next parliament, which must convene by March 25, Merz may face stronger opposition from far-right groups that oppose military aid for Ukraine.
Germany has been a major donor of military aid to Ukraine. The country’s role is especially important now that the Trump administration has frozen defense assistance for Ukraine.
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