Germany's Bold Budget Breakthrough: Record Investments to Revive Economy

Germany's parliament has approved its first budget following significant fiscal reforms, highlighting record investments aimed at reviving the economy and increasing defense spending to support NATO commitments. The 2025 budget involves a substantial infrastructure fund and defense spending exemptions, marking a shift in Germany's fiscal policy.

Germany's parliament has greenlighted the country's first budget since major fiscal reforms, ushering in record investments aimed at revitalizing Europe's largest economy. The budget includes nearly 116 billion euros in investments, facilitated by a 500-billion-euro infrastructure fund and defense spending exemptions established in March.

Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil termed this a 'huge paradigm shift' in Germany's fiscal approach, seeking to jumpstart a stagnating economy and bolster defense capabilities. Aimed at supporting Ukraine and meeting NATO ambitions, this move marks a departure from decades of fiscal conservatism.

With the 2025 financial plan in place, Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition is set to navigate challenging talks over future budgets, particularly facing a 30-billion-euro gap by 2027. The government anticipates intense debates as it prepares for the 2026 fiscal planning, with final decisions expected in November.

(With inputs from agencies.)