Merz Fights for Defense Funding Amid Coalition Challenges

German Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz is striving to secure a 500 billion euro infrastructure fund before a new parliament session. With Greens seeking more concessions, Merz faces challenges in obtaining the necessary majority. Failure to reach an agreement may disrupt coalition talks and risk another election.

BERLIN—Friedrich Merz, Germany's Chancellor-in-waiting, is racing against time to secure support for a substantial boost in state borrowing ahead of a crucial parliamentary vote. His objective: a sweeping 500 billion euro fund to bolster defense and infrastructure.

Merz needs a two-thirds majority in parliament to approve constitutional changes crucial for implementing his plans. His conservative party, in potential coalition with the Social Democrats, must win over the Greens, who are demanding concessions concerning climate change policies.

As negotiations intensify, Merz has canceled other commitments to focus on talks with the Greens. A potential deal's failure could halt coalition negotiations and possibly lead to another national election.