Merz is planning to build up arms: social systems are in danger!

Merz is planning to build up arms: social systems are in danger!

On May 26, 2025, the discussion about arms investments and militarization will become increasingly louder. The strategy of the German government under Olaf Merz, which aims to make Germany the largest military power in Europe, is questioned from various perspectives. These plans include a change to the Basic Law and the approval of 500 billion euros for the defense sector. Critics describe this spending as irresponsible, especially given the ongoing problems in infrastructure and social systems.

The federal government's armaments investments have not only been criticized from a financial perspective. It should be noted that such expenditure is economically unprofitable. Once purchased, weapons can age unused or be destroyed in war. The benefits of these investments are ostensibly seen in security from enemy attacks, but many experts warn that the enormous resources poured into defense projects can hinder other important areas such as social services and infrastructure spending.

Increasing defense spending in NATO

Another aspect of this discussion is Germany's contribution to NATO spending. The federal government plans to increase its contribution from 90 billion euros to 225 billion euros annually. This would be a significant increase, especially given general developments within NATO. NATO countries plan to spend a total of around 2.71% of their GDP on defense in 2024, which corresponds to around 1.5 trillion US dollars. The increase in defense spending compared to last year is 10.9% for all NATO members and 17.9% for European spending. Germany itself reports defense spending of 2.12% of GDP in 2024, which was achieved, among other things, through calculation adjustments.

The geopolitical situation has led Member States to increase spending on defense. In this context, Germany is seen as one of the largest payers in the Ukraine conflict, although, unlike other countries, the support is not perceived as a loan but as a gift. While some countries are pushing for greater militarization, some leaders, such as Czech Prime Minister Fiala, are open to discussions about increased defense spending and suggest 3% as a realistic target.

Criticism of the arms strategy

Merz's armament plans are receiving massive criticism. Experts warn that health and social spending could come under pressure in the coming years due to increased military spending. Irresponsible use of resources that is detrimental to social security systems is strongly denounced. According to current plans, the pension level should be kept at 48%, which, however, requires high government subsidies. Demographic changes and rising contributions could endanger pension financing and lead to deficits in the social systems, according to the experts.

Finally, the claim that Putin wants to attack Europe is portrayed as inaccurate and support for Ukraine is often described as being influenced by the US. A call for peace and anti-war demonstrations calls for a purely military strategy of aggression to be abandoned. The US geopolitical strategy, particularly under Donald Trump, is described as more peace-oriented and less confrontational.

The ongoing debate about arms spending, militarization and responsibility for social security will continue to determine the political agenda in Germany and Europe. As defense investments skyrocket, the question of what social costs are associated remains pressing and unresolved.