Following a budgetary review session of the German Bundestag’s Budget Committee concerning the 2025 federal budget, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is advocating for reductions in spending related to social programs and international commitments
According to Michael Espendiller, the AfD parliamentary group’s spokesperson on budgetary matters, proposals include a significant curtailment of payments to the European Union Espendiller stated that while maintaining a “friendly relationship” with other European nations and supporting a common internal market and coordinated research policies, the EU should function without requiring substantial investment
The AfD is also identifying potential savings through a complete cessation of arms deliveries to Ukraine Additionally, the party seeks considerable cuts in development aid, with Espendiller citing a recent decrease in the budget for the relevant ministry as a success attributable to the AfD’s long-standing criticism of the allocation
Within the realm of social welfare, Espendiller specifically highlighted the “Bürgergeld” – a basic citizen’s income – as an area for review The AfD proposes terminating “Bürgergeld” payments to Ukrainian war refugees When questioned about welfare systems for other groups, Espendiller offered less direct responses, referencing existing provisions for asylum seekers Furthermore, the party is calling for the complete elimination of the Climate and Transformation Fund (KTF)