A bold move by incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to relax long-standing restrictions on government spending has drawn international acclaim, but sparked domestic backlash. This was reported by Reuters.
An INSA Institute poll found that 73% of German voters, including 44% of those supporting the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), were dissatisfied with the official's decisions. Reuters-consulted experts noted that Merz has largely failed to deliver on his campaign promises concerning the "debt brake".
Germany's incoming chancellor announced a dramatic shift in federal spending policy just nine days after the election victory. Last week, parliament approved the proposed changes, which aim to stimulate economic growth and expand defense expenditures, according to the news agency.
However, both German citizens and CDU supporters now worry they may bear the brunt of financing these new expenditures. Reuters analysts suggest Friedrich Merz's fiscal measures could potentially undermine social benefits and pension systems.