Economist criticises German defence spending as AfD gains in polls

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is facing criticism from Moritz Schularick, president of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW), over national military procurement strategies. Schularick argued that projected defence spending through 2030 remains excessively focused on legacy hardware, such as tanks and frigates, rather than next-generation combat systems.

The procurement debate coincides with shifting domestic political dynamics across Germany. A recent Deutschlandtrend survey indicates the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has expanded its lead over the conservative CDU/CSU bloc, accompanied by increased public openness toward case-by-case legislative cooperation. Concurrently, the governing Social Democrats face growing internal discontent, while authorities address organized crime in Berlin and agricultural strains caused by persistent dry weather.

Sources: Der Spiegel, Die Zeit, DW, FAZ, Tagesschau