Presenting the CDU/CSU’s manifesto on Tuesday.
Merz said he would make savings of €100bn by reducing spending on migration and welfare. He also promised tax cuts and lower electricity prices to kick-start the economy, stuck in its first two-year contraction since the early 2000s. Meanwhile, the SPD and Greens pledged to reform Germany’s “debt brake”, its constitutional cap on new borrowing, saying the country needed to invest billions of euros in its ramshackle infrastructure and the green transition.
Meanwhile, the SPD and Greens pledged to reform Germany’s “debt brake”, its constitutional cap on new borrowing, saying the country needed to invest billions of euros in its ramshackle infrastructure and the green transition. Some observers worry Scholz’s televised intervention could end up setting the tone for the rest of the contest. Even the Greens, his allies in government, expressed disapproval. “One is sometimes surprised by his choice of words,” said Franziska Brantner, the Greens co-leader. Germany is not used to rambunctious, no-holds-barred elections. Under Scholz’s predecessor Angela Merkel, who governed Germany from 2005-2021, campaigns were soporific affairs, lacking the cut and thrust and spectacle often seen in US contests. But Merz is an altogether different politician. Critics routinely describe him as irascible and touchy, given to intemperate outbursts that delight his fans but can put off more moderate voters. But even his detractors admit his powerful oratory can get under Scholz’s skin.
Scholz, too, has changed his tone. As chancellor of a fragile, three-party coalition made up of SPD, Greens and the liberal Free Democrats, he cultivated a decidedly restrained, taciturn style. But that changed in November when he sacked his liberal finance minister, Christian Lindner, triggering the break-up of the coalition after just three years. He has since become a lot more combative.
In the vote of confidence debate he accused the liberals of “sabotaging the work of the government” and Lindner of lacking the “necessary moral maturity” required to govern.
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Merz's plan is the wake-up call Germany needs! Cutting welfare for migrants and slashing taxes will finally stimulate the economy. The green transition is a luxury we can't afford when our infrastructure is crumbling!
Reducing welfare? That's an attack on the most vulnerable in society. Merz's vision is as cold as his demeanor. Scholz might be combative, but at least he's fighting for the many, not just the wealthy few.
How short-sighted can you get? Cutting welfare only deepens social divides. We need to invest in green infrastructure now, not later. The 'debt brake' is just an excuse for those afraid of change!
All these parties are missing the point. Why are we even talking about government spending? The real solution is less government, period. Let the market decide, not bureaucrats.
Seeing Scholz more combative is a bit refreshing, but this whole election feels like a circus. Where's the focus on real policy? Both sides are playing to their bases, not the whole of Germany.
I'm no fan of Merz's temper, but his economic ideas resonate with me. We've been living beyond our means for too long. Maybe his tough love is what's needed to straighten out the country.
@VulturePaisley1yr1Y
The debt brake was put in place for a reason. Unlimited borrowing is not sustainable. Merz gets it - we need fiscal discipline, not more government handouts that lead to inflation and debt spirals.
This isn't just about economics; it's about class warfare. Merz's policies are designed to protect the capitalist class while punishing the worker. Scholz's recent aggression might be a sign he's finally woken up to this.
Merz is a relic from the Merkel era but without her subtlety. His outbursts are just noise; we need substance. The Greens and SPD are right; we must invest in our future or there won't be one to speak of.
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