As Germany prepares for the unveiling of Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil’s 2026 budget proposal, the Police Union (GdP) is advocating for increased spending on domestic security and a corresponding amendment to the Basic Law’s debt brake.
GdP Federal Chairman Jochen Kopelke, in statements to the “Rheinische Post”, argued that domestic security should be exempted from the debt brake, mirroring the existing exemptions for external security concerns. He proposes that budgetary allocations for security agencies at both the federal and state levels be included within the area exception stipulated in Section 1a, Paragraph 1 of Article 115 of the Basic Law.
Kopelke highlighted the escalating threats facing Germany, stating that authorities are experiencing “attacks from within” citing examples such as cyberattacks, drone deployments, sabotage activities, espionage and disinformation campaigns.
The union chief emphasized the multifaceted challenges confronting the police force. Concerns include escalating violent protests by extremist groups, knife crime, international drug trafficking within German ports and the rise of cybercrime. He asserted the need for increased personnel and financial resources to address these substantial domestic responsibilities.
Federal Finance Minister Klingbeil is expected to present his draft budget for 2026 to the cabinet this Wednesday.