In the ongoing debate regarding a potential suspension of the federal debt brake, sparked by SPD faction leader Matthias Miersch due to possible conflict in Iran, parliamentary chief of staff Dirk Wiese rejected critics’ claims. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, Wiese maintained that the concern is not laziness, but rather proactive crisis preparation, adding that it is prudent not to discard any possible option prematurely. Wiese also concurred that Miersch is correct in pointing out that the consequences of a potential Trump-era war could have far-reaching repercussions for global supply and value chains. As Wiese noted, evidence of these stresses is visible “at gas stations, and even with shortages of aluminum or helium”.
Miersch had originally proposed suspending the debt brake if the crisis and the anticipated war in Iran persisted. This call prompted CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann to criticize the idea in “Bild”, arguing that discussing new debt now simply reflects political complacency.