February 24, 2025 11:43 GMT
GERMANY: Far-Left Die Linke Expects To Be Involved In Debt Brake Reform Talks
GERMANY
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Reuters reports comments attributed to the 'leader' of Germany's far-left progressive Die Linke regarding reform to the constitutional debt brake following the election. Says that the next gov't 'has to move on debt brake reform', and that Die Linke supports such a move, but the support will be conditional. Says that Die Linke 'will have to discuss very seriously' how far it is willing to go on debt brake reform and that the party expects to be included in talks.
- As a party from the far-left, Die Linke is strongly in favour of increased gov't spending and not just reforming but abolishing the debt brake. However, as a pacifist party it is also strongly opposed to increased military spending either to support Ukraine or to bolster Germany's armed forces as the US shifts its focus away from Europe.
- Given Die Linke's support for debt brake reform is essential (its lawmakers combined with the far-right Alternative for Germany constitute a one-third blocking minority), the party will seek concessions from the incoming gov't, set to be led by conservative Christian Democratic Union leader Friedrich Merz.
- Note: Wire headlines claim Die Linke 'leader' has made these comments. Die Linke does not have one leader, but co-chairpersons (Ines Schwerdtner and Jan van Aken) and in the election had joint lead candidates (van Aken & Heidi Reichinnek). It is unclear which of these individuals has made the comments being reported.
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