German Minister-President Daniel Günther of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) expressed support for a “special fund” for the German Armed Forces to be decided by the old Bundestag.
Günther stated in an interview with RTL and ntv on Thursday that “we need solutions for how to get a grip on defense spending. That’s a central point. We can’t wait for that.” He believes a “special fund” is possible within the framework of the debt brake and can be decided quickly with the old Bundestag.
He emphasized the need for the CDU and SPD to engage in discussions with the factions of the former Bundestag. “But all of that is still possible in the course of the next weeks” Günther said.
Günther also urged the formation of a government as soon as possible. “As for the formation of the federal government, I can only say: the sooner, the better. We have already had many months without a functional government. The time before was not much better. And we need a strong federal government now” he stated.
Günther looked at the upcoming negotiations between the CDU and SPD with optimism. “I don’t find the negotiations very complicated, because everyone basically knows what’s at stake.” The coalition has the task of bringing Germany forward in the coming years. “And who, if not the two parties that have shaped Germany for many decades? The CDU and SPD can do that in these times.”
Günther also emphasized the need for the two parties to prove that democratic parties are capable of solving problems and pulling together. “What the people were used to from the Ampel in recent years, nobody really wants anymore. And so, everyone basically knows that it’s not about a small party-political dispute, but about solving the big things.