BERLIN – German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, widely regarded as the favourite to succeed Chancellor Olaf Scholz in February’s election, has promised to boost Germany’s defence spending but stopped short of committing to NATO’s proposed defence target of 5% of GDP. The target was recently floated by US President-elect Donald Trump, who has consistently pressured NATO members to contribute more to collective defence.
Speaking to broadcaster Bayerischer Rundfunk on Monday, Mr Merz, leader of the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said: “We first really have to reach the 2% lower limit in Germany. We are not there yet. The 2, 3, or 5% targets are basically irrelevant. The decisive factor is that we do what is necessary to defend ourselves.”
NATO estimates indicate that only 23 out of its 32 members will meet the current 2% target by the end of 2024. Germany’s defence spending has only recently approached this level due to a €100 billion special fund established after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, the sustainability of this spending remains uncertain, as the fund is set to run out by 2028.
Markus Soeder, leader of the Christian Social Union (CSU), the CDU’s Bavarian sister party, has urged for military spending to increase “well over 3%” of GDP, while Green Party chancellor candidate Robert Habeck has suggested a 3.5% target financed through loans.
In contrast, Chancellor Scholz and his Social Democratic Party (SPD) have called such proposals impractical, with SPD deputy leader Dirk Wiese dismissing Trump’s 5% demand as “complete madness.” Scholz himself described Habeck’s loan-financed plan as “somewhat half-baked.”
Defence spending has emerged as a key campaign issue ahead of Germany’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for February 23, roughly a month after Mr Trump’s inauguration. The debate reflects heightened concerns over global security challenges, including a more aggressive Russia, and the need for NATO unity.
Mr Merz has argued that Germany can maintain and eventually increase defence spending without resorting to special funds or loans, pledging to make defence a cornerstone of his leadership if elected.