Economist criticises German defence spending as political pressures mount

Moritz Schularick, president of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW), has criticised German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius over the allocation of military procurement funds. Schularick argued that resources scheduled through 2030 are being directed excessively toward conventional hardware, such as tanks and frigates, rather than modern weapon systems designed for future conflicts.

The procurement debate unfolds amid wider political challenges across Germany. Recent polling from Deutschlandtrend shows the Alternative for Germany (AfD) widening its lead over the conservative CDU/CSU alliance, alongside growing voter openness to selective parliamentary cooperation. Concurrently, the Social Democratic Party faces rising internal friction, authorities in Berlin are confronting organized crime networks, and the agricultural sector continues to grapple with feed shortages linked to ongoing drought.

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