Europe needs independence from America in order to defend itself

German politician Friedrich Mertz, who will likely be the next German advisor, took advantage of his victory in the elections on February 23, to launch some important warnings to his German homeland. This was not related to the need to revive the dilapidated German economy, nor to respond to the strong and worrying performance of the extremist “alternative for Germany” party, but rather an accusation of America, the main ally of Germany.

“It is quite clear that the Americans, at least the current administration, are not interested in the fate of Europe,” said Mertz. He added that “his most important priority is to help Europe achieve independence from the United States.”

These words seem surprising, from the upcoming German adviser, the leader of the Christian Democratic Party. Unfortunately, Mertz is right, as Europe really must consider finding the way it enables it to defend itself, without the help of the United States, but saying this talk is easier than doing what is appropriate to achieve it.

Exorbitant

Germany, like the rest of the European countries, needs to spend money for defense, and this requires exorbitant amounts, but its public spending is restricted as a result of curbing debt, which prevents governments from managing the structural deficit that exceeds 0.35% of the gross national product, and here lies the dilemma. After the elections, the parties that may want to change will lack the power to do so.

The two parties that have been ruled by Germany since the Second World War, either alternating or together, have achieved bad results in the elections. It is true that the Christian Democratic Party, and its ally in the state of Bavaria came first, which means that Mertz will be the next adviser, unless negotiations to reach a government coalition fail, but they achieved the second worst result in their history. The Social Democratic Party, which led the outgoing government, has achieved its worst results, but they can form the only reasonable coalition, if they agree together, which can lead the majority in Parliament, and will soon start the official coalition talks.

Debt curbing law

Changing the law that restricts debt requires the majority of two -thirds. The main parties in Parliament had this before the elections, as many parties discussed them to do so while they were in a situation they could achieve.

When the new German parliament is held, it will not be possible to achieve a two -thirds majority, because two militant parties have won many votes, the “Alternative for Germany” party, and the former Communist Party, now known as the “left” party. The “alternative for Germany” party will not agree to vote in order to change the law of curbing debt, but the left party wants in principle to get rid of this law, but it says, “It will not vote for re -arms.”

But there is a constitutional imbalance that can be a way out of this situation, and perhaps the new government seeks success, if Germany moves quickly. The new parliament will not be held before March 25th, and until that time, the current weak government that is called the “lame duck” will remain the one that governs. The Mertz Party, the Christian Democratic Party, and the Green Party must push forward, to make urgent reforms regarding the curbing of debts, as long as they can.

Private financing

Ideally, they should absolutely get rid of the law of curbing debt, because debts not only curbing arms, but road projects, railways, digital infrastructure, hospitals, and many other things. If the disposal of the debt curb law is a difficult issue, then at least an exemption must be obtained for the issue of defense spending, including the support of Ukraine.

Unfortunately, it seems that Mertz believes that getting rid of the law is difficult to reach, and for this he suggested instead the “Special Finance” law of 200 billion euros, or the equivalent of 210 billion dollars in order to cover the defense spending, which is an alternative solution to which the current adviser Olaf Schultz. This alternative solution requires the approval of two -thirds of the majority, because technically is a constitutional change, and it may be more easy to accept, but it is not completely sufficient.

And if Germany wants to enhance its defensive spending at least to the level of 4% of its local product, according to what experts believe is necessary, and keeping it at this level, the private fund, like its predecessor, will run within a few years. It is disappointing for Mertz to avoid his first major challenge. About “Economist”

. Germany, like the rest of the European countries, needs to spend money for defense, and this requires exorbitant amounts, but its public spending is restricted as a result of curbing debt.