Germany’s Bundestag to debate infrastructure and defence spending reforms in March

Germany’s Bundestag will debate major infrastructure spending and defence funding reforms from 13 March, with a vote set for 18 March. Key parties negotiate over debt rule changes and a €500 billion fund.

Germany's lower house of parliament will discuss an increase in infrastructure spending and significant changes to state borrowing regulations to enhance defence funding from 13 March, according to two parliamentary sources cited by Reuters on Thursday.

The Bundestag is set to vote on the proposed reforms on 18 March, the sources added.

The conservatives and the centre-left SPD, currently engaged in coalition negotiations following last month’s election, will require a two-thirds majority in parliament to pass their plans to amend the debt brake and establish a €500 billion fund for infrastructure.

The Greens have stated they will negotiate firmly before potentially offering their crucial support for debt reforms aimed at revitalising the struggling economy and increasing defence expenditure.

The pro-business FDP will also back greater defence spending but has made it clear that it will not endorse a dedicated fund for infrastructure.

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