The legislation must always go to the upper chamber of the Parliament for approval.
The German Parliament has approved the plans of an increase in massive spending, taking down decades of tax conservatism in the hope of reviving economic growth and expanding military spending for a new era of European collective defense.
The approval of the plans in the Bundestag or the Parliament on Tuesday will give the chancellor awaiting a windfall of hundreds of billions of euros to increase investments after two years of contraction in the largest economy in Europe.
Germany and other European nations have been under pressure to strengthen their defenses in the face of hostile Russia and transfer of American policy under President Donald Trump, who fears that European leaders will leave the continent exposed.
The Merz conservatives and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), which are in talks to form a centrist coalition after last month elections, wish to create a borrowing fund ($ 546 billion) of $ 500 billion ($ 546 billion) to allow higher expenses for security.
“We have had a false feeling of security for at least a decade,” said Merz to the legislators before the vote.
“The decision we take today on defense preparation … can not be less than the first major step towards a new European defense community,” he said.
The legislation must always go to the upper Chamber of Bundestag, which represents the governments of the 16 German federal states. The main obstacle to spending over there on Monday when Bavarian’s free voters agreed to support the plans.
The Conservatives and the SPD wanted to adopt the legislation through the outgoing parliament to fear that it can be blocked by an extended contingent of far -right and far left legislators in the next Bundestag from March 25.
Merz justified the tight calendar by quoting the geopolitical situation in rapid evolution.
Europe is confronted today with an “aggressive Russia” as well as “an unpredictable United States of the United States,” said Merz.
“I want to make it clear: I am in favor of doing our best to maintain transatlantic cooperation,” he added. “I consider that it essential, but we must now do our homework in Europe.
“We must become stronger. We must ensure our own security. This is our responsibility. Germany has a leading role to play in this area, and I believe that we must be ready to assume this responsibility for leadership. ”
