German defence modernization faces criticism as political pressures mount
Economist Moritz Schularick has criticised Germany's defence spending priorities, as shifting political dynamics and polling gains for the AfD add pressure in Berlin.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius faces renewed criticism over military procurement priorities from Moritz Schularick, president of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW). Schularick argued that defence funds projected through 2030 remain excessively focused on legacy hardware, such as tanks and frigates, rather than next-generation combat technologies.
The debate unfolds amid wider political pressures across Germany. A recent Deutschlandtrend survey indicates the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has extended its lead over the conservative CDU/CSU bloc, with growing voter openness to selective legislative cooperation. Concurrently, the governing Social Democratic Party faces internal dissatisfaction, while authorities confront organized gang violence in Berlin and agricultural strains caused by persistent dry weather.
Sources: Der Spiegel, Die Zeit, DW, FAZ, Tagesschau
Sources
- DW — Deutschlandtrend: AfD vergrößert Vorsprung vor der Union
- Die Zeit — Verteidigung: Führender IfW-Ökonom kritisiert deutsche Rüstung
- FAZ — Deutschland-Liveblog: IfW-Präsident wirft Pistorius falsche Investitionen vor
- Tagesschau — IfW-Präsident wirft Pistorius falsche Investitionen in Bundeswehr vor
- Der Spiegel — News: Frust in der SPD, Bandengewalt in Berlin, Futtermangel in der Landwirtschaft
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