Defense Spending: "The 700 Billion Euro Program Risks Fizzling Out"
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has an astonishing 700 billion euros at his disposal until 2030 to overhaul the long-neglected Bundeswehr, recruit additional soldiers, and modernize the nation's arsenal. The vast majority of this funding comes from loans, making it an unprecedented modernization, stimulus, and debt program for the country. Few economists have delved as deeply into the challenge of how Germany can simultaneously achieve defense capability and overcome its economic growth crisis as Moritz Schularick. The 51-year-old has led the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW), one of Germany's leading research institutions, since 2023. Together with his economist colleagues Clemens Fuest, Jens Südekum, and Michael Hüther, he devised the exceptional rule to bypass the debt brake after the 2024 federal election, which the CDU/CSU, SPD, and Greens ultimately adopted, making these substantial defense expenditures possible in the first place.
Fresh materials — General News
Nations League: Klopp's Ballet Needs More Rehearsal
In a goalless draw against Greece, Klopp's team, featuring the same midfield trio of Wirtz, Pavlovic, and Bischof as in their 2-0 victory over Serbia, demonstrated continued good form but failed to score, despite an improvement from their previous encounter. The
Jonas Urbig: A Goalkeeper's Rise
Jonas Urbig's goalkeeping is drawing significant praise, with Jürgen Klopp noting his strong performance. His save from Masouras' header in the second minute of the match at Toumba Stadium was a notable feat. Urbig is making significant strides towards securing a starting position, mai
Unexpected Visit: Merz in Kyiv: "You Can Continue to Count on Our Help"
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) arrived in Kyiv early Sunday morning for an unannounced solidarity visit. The Ukrainian capital has been suffering from intensified Russian attacks for weeks. Moscow has pledged to continue these assaults with undiminished severity and reitera
Left Party Leader Pellmann Joins "Rote Hilfe"
Sören Pellmann, leader of the Left Party's parliamentary group, has joined the human rights organization "Rote Hilfe." This move comes in the context of ongoing discussions surrounding the party's direction and its affiliations, particularly following scrutiny of former member Eli
Germany vs. Serbia: Player Ratings - Pavlovic Dominates Midfield
Aleksandar Pavlovic, 22, is confidently filling his new role. Florian Wirtz demonstrated his world-class ability on two occasions. Only Nick Woltemade seemed eager to disappear. Here are the individual player ratings for the German national team against Serbia. By Martin Schneider Jo
Robert Habeck on the Arctic, Lessons from Government, and His Biggest Failure
Robert Habeck appears composed. Carrying a travel bag over his shoulder, he walks along the Rhine towards the SZ's Düsseldorf office. Spotting a yellow sticker on a railing, reminiscent of the anti-nuclear movement, he notices Ludwig Erhard's image in the center with the text: “Capita