Following the election, Merz expressed willingness to amend constitutional rules for defense funding, although internal party resistance quickly arose. Recent geopolitical tensions, especially after Trump's actions regarding Ukraine, prompted Europe to reconsider its defense strategies. This urgency led to European proposals for significant investments in defense. However, domestic migration policies remain contentious, with Merz's hardline stance complicating negotiations with the SPD, which is open to asylum reforms but cautious about the political implications of stricter rules. The situation underscores challenges ahead for coalition discussions and funding initiatives.
On the day after the election, Merz suddenly expressed openness for the outgoing Bundestag to pass a constitutional amendment to either increase the special fund or to reform the current balanced budget rules.
The SPD is not fundamentally opposed to stricter asylum rules. The party understands that changes are necessary. But Merz played the hardliner during the campaign, which has injected a degree of complexity into the issue before negotiations have even had a chance to get going.
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