Pistorius faces defence spending criticism amid shifting German political landscape

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is facing sustained criticism regarding the Bundeswehr's modernisation strategy. Moritz Schularick, president of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW), warned that planned spending through 2030 prioritises outdated conventional hardware, including tanks and frigates, rather than next-generation combat technologies.

Meanwhile, shifting political dynamics continue to shape Berlin's domestic landscape. A recent Deutschlandtrend poll showed the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) expanding its lead over the conservative CDU/CSU alliance, amid growing public openness toward case-by-case legislative cooperation with the party. Concurrently, the governing Social Democrats (SPD) face internal party discontent, while authorities also contend with regional security issues and agricultural pressures.

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