German defence spending faces criticism amid shifting domestic political landscape

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is facing sustained criticism over military procurement strategy after Moritz Schularick, president of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, argued that planned defence expenditure prioritises outdated conventional equipment over modern technologies. Schularick stated that funding projected through 2030 allocates too much capital toward traditional platforms such as tanks and frigates rather than future-oriented capabilities.

The scrutiny over armed forces modernisation comes amid broader political challenges in Berlin. A recent Deutschlandtrend poll indicated that the Alternative for Germany has expanded its lead over the centre-right CDU/CSU alliance, alongside growing public acceptance of pragmatic, case-by-case parliamentary cooperation. At the same time, the ruling coalition continues to navigate internal friction over pensions and climate policy initiatives.

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