A conflict over the reform of the debt brake is emerging within the governing coalition, as reported by “Der Spiegel”. The Junge Union plans to push through a resolution at its upcoming party conference that would compel the CDU to oppose any further loosening of the rule. The initiative looks strong, with the application commission recommending its adoption.
The move has stirred discontent within the SPD. “Party conventions are important, but they do not replace shared governmental responsibility” said Wiebke Esdar, deputy chair of the SPD Bundestag faction, to the magazine. She pointed out that the coalition agreement had agreed to “further develop the debt brake so that necessary long‑term investments can still be made”. The SPD insists on holding to that principle and expects experts to reinforce it, according to Esdar.
Philipp Türmer, head of the Juso, warns against a “tight grip” on the debt brake, calling such rigidity the biggest threat to Germany’s economic competitiveness and to future generations. The renewal of infrastructure, the education system, and digital networks is not yet complete, and investment must be possible. Türmer cited the special infrastructure fund of over €500 billion and the exemption for defence spending, asserting that the coalition has effectively already buried the debt brake.