Germany Implements Austerity Measures, Sparking Political Turmoil

Germany's government has adopted plans to cut its budget for next year by €30.6 billion, affecting various sectors including health, childcare, and public transport. The cuts, driven by ballooning public debt from the pandemic and the energy crisis triggered by Russia's war in Ukraine, have sparked political battles within the ruling coalition and across the political divide. Finance Minister Christian Lindner emphasized the need to adhere to stricter fiscal policies and reduce debt without burdening taxpayers. The budget cuts have led to disagreements among coalition partners, with the Greens particularly upset about cuts to the parental leave allowance. Opposition parties and labor unions have criticized the cuts, while defense spending will increase slightly but may not be sufficient to meet NATO commitments in the long term.