Bundestag prepares to vote on historic borrowing package in key test for Merz

Likely next chancellor needs two-thirds majority to back €500bn infrastructure fund and relaxation of debt rules
Germany’s likely next chancellor is to face a key vote on plans to unlock a record level of state borrowing, which he argues is necessary to boost the country’s military spending and inject growth into its ailing economy.
Ahead of the crucial Bundestag vote on Tuesday, Friedrich Merz has faced a barrage of complaints from the opposition and from within his own ranks that he is not coupling the historic levels of spending planned – as much as €1tn (£840bn) – to demands for reform.
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Germany's likely next leader seeks approval for huge defense and infrastructure package
Germany’s would-be next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, is asking lawmakers to allow the country to put “whatever it takes” into defense and to authorize an enormous fund for investment in its creaking ...ABC News - 14h -
Merz ‘confident’ about Germany’s make-or-break spending vote
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Germany’s Greens vow to block Merz’s flagship spending package
Party officials reject €500bn infrastructure fund plan and change to debt borrowing rules to fund defence spendingFinancial Times - Mar. 10 -
Germany’s parliament approves Merz’s €1tn spending plan
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Germany’s parliament approves Merz’s €1tn spending plan
Chancellor-in-waiting uses outgoing Bundestag to loosen debt brake and unleash investments in defence and infrastructureFinancial Times - 9h -
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How every German MP voted on reforming the debt brake
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