Coalition Government Formation Moves Forward
The center-right Christian Democrats (CDU), along with their Bavarian counterpart, the Christian Social Union (CSU), and the center-left Social Democrats (SPD), have made significant strides towards establishing a coalition government. This progression has involved CDU leader and potential new Chancellor Friedrich Merz making substantial compromises to appease the Greens, which is crucial for launching his ambitious plan focused on substantial investments.
Investment Debt Plan Requiring Constitutional Changes
To enable his plans, which include an additional €500 billion in debt aimed at infrastructure investments, the CDU and SPD require adjustments to the constitution. These changes necessitate a two-thirds majority approval in both parliamentary chambers. Essential to this process is securing the support of the Greens during the voting session in the Bundestag.
Greens’ Demand for Climate Funding Met
The Greens have stipulated that €100 billion of the proposed funding must be allocated to the Climate Transformation Fund (Klima Transformationsfonds), a demand that has now been fulfilled.
Constitutional Amendment and Climate Neutrality Concerns
Due to pressure from the Greens, the amendment to the Basic Law stipulates that the special €500 billion fund is designated for “infrastructure investments and additional projects aimed at achieving climate neutrality by 2045.” This specific mention has sparked concern among conservatives and some business sector members regarding the constitutional establishment of climate neutrality as a national goal.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Former Federal Constitutional Court judge Udo Di Fabio contends that this amendment doesn’t constitute a state obligation for climate protection commitments. Christian Calliess, a Professor of Constitutional and Environmental Law at the Free University of Berlin, echoes this sentiment, clarifying that the language simply ensures some of the infrastructure fund will be allocated for climate-related initiatives.
Concerns from Opposing Politicians
Many politicians are apprehensive that Merz’s concessions to the Greens may be excessive. Wolfgang Kubicki from the Free Democrats (FDP) warned that numerous lawsuits could arise, undermining the 2045 climate protection target, thereby placing the onus on the state to prove compliance.
Greens Celebrate Their Achievements
In the meantime, the Greens are celebrating a significant win, potentially their largest since they formed a government coalition with the FDP and SPD in late 2021. They have long aimed to allocate billions for climate initiatives. However, previous attempts to repurpose funds aimed at mitigating the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic were quashed by the Federal Constitutional Court earlier this year, complicating their ambitious objectives.
This article was originally written in German.
While you’re here: Every Tuesday, DW editors round up what is happening in German politics and society. Sign up here for the weekly email newsletter, Berlin Briefing.
