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Death blow for the euro: Debt reform ignites political clash in Germany

Far-right Alternative for Germany sharply criticizes new rules on government debt

Mar 18, 2025 20:08 75

Death blow for the euro: Debt reform ignites political clash in Germany  - 1

The co-chair of the far-right party "Alternative for Germany" (AfD) Alice Weidel sharply criticized the reform of Germany's government debt rules adopted today by the Bundestag, which allows the allocation of billions of euros to finance defense and infrastructure, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.

According to Weidel, with this decision, the deputies have approved "a gigantic debt".

"The Greens and Social Democrats, who lost the elections, are opening the champagne," Weidel said in Berlin after the bill was adopted by the outgoing lower house of parliament – a week before its new composition is to meet after the elections held on February 23.

The AfD co-chair accused the leader of the German conservatives and likely future chancellor Friedrich Merz of breaking his campaign promises.

"This is the biggest voter fraud I have seen in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany", she said, adding that future generations, consumers and taxpayers would face the consequences of today's decision.

Weidel warned of turmoil in the credit markets, rising interest rates and "contagion to other eurozone countries".

"This is a fatal blow to the euro," she concluded.

Meanwhile, German Economy and Climate Minister Robert Habeck welcomed the adopted infrastructure and defense package, which also includes new funds to combat climate change.

"Climate protection in Germany will no longer fail due to lack of funds. It can only fail due to incompetence and lack of will", the Green Party politician said after the vote in the Bundestag.

He expressed hope that the conservatives and Social Democrats, who are currently negotiating to form a coalition government, "will do better".