Green party politician Franziska Brantner has strongly criticized the ongoing discussions within the government coalition regarding taking on more public debt. Speaking to the news channel “Welt” on Monday, she stated that the current administration has squandered massive amounts of public money, alleging that instead of committing to real reforms and investing responsibly in the country’s critical infrastructure, the funds are being misspent on what she calls “patronage spending”. Brantner argues that drawing on more debt is unacceptable; rather, the money must be allocated effectively. She pointed out that funds are currently being diverted for “some consumer spending” rather than genuine investments in the repair of basic infrastructure, such as schools, roads, and railway systems. According to her, economic experts have calculated and demonstrated that these funds are not reaching their intended destinations, citing an example of the government simply spending money on underground train stations. She concluded that contemplating new debt under these circumstances is deeply irresponsible.
Brantner also directed specific criticism toward Friedrich Merz of the CDU, suggesting he failed in his promises and lost the confidence of businesses. While acknowledging that Merz had assured the public he would tackle reforms and demonstrate the necessary courage, she told the politician that he is incapable of doing so, arguing that he lacks the necessary political will and ideas, stating instead that he merely criticizes the country. Overall, Brantner characterized the current government as profoundly “irresponsible” claiming that the coalition members are blocking each other and are trapped by past failures. By defending the status quo and the past, neither side is genuinely addressing the fundamental reforms the nation desperately requires. Her statements came after the SPD parliamentary group leader, Matthias Miersch, suggested the possibility of further debt due to alleged follow-up costs related to the Iran conflict.