Germany's Conservative Leader Prioritizes NATO Spending Targets

Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany's conservative CDU and candidate for chancellor, emphasized the need to focus on meeting NATO defense spending targets before considering any further budget increases. Merz highlighted a significant funding gap and stressed the importance of achieving at least a 2% spending target over the next few years.

Germany's conservative CDU leader and chancellor candidate, Friedrich Merz, has underscored the need to prioritize NATO defense spending targets. He stated that the nation should first address the current funding gap before contemplating any additional budget increases.

Merz highlighted that Germany faces a funding shortfall amounting to 30 to 40 billion euros annually in reaching the 2% defense spending goal. This gap requires immediate attention and concerted efforts to be bridged, according to the CDU leader.

Speaking to radio station DLF, Merz reiterated the urgency and importance of focusing on the current defense spending objectives to ensure Germany fulfills its commitment to NATO over the next three to four years.

(With inputs from agencies.)