Germany‘s 2026 Budget Approved Amidst Opposition Criticism
BERLIN – November 28, 2025 – The German Bundestag today approved the federal budget for 2026, a move met with vocal opposition from the Choice for Germany (AfD), the Green party, and The Left. The budget’s passage follows debates centering on increased borrowing and the allocation of funds, highlighting deep divisions regarding Germany’s financial priorities.
The approved budget relies heavily on new debt, a point of contention for opposition parties. While the specifics of the total budget volume weren’t detailed in the provided text, the debate underscores growing concerns about Germany’s fiscal health and its ability too invest in crucial areas like infrastructure and social programs. the approval sets the stage for the government to implement its planned policies for the coming year, but also signals continued political friction over economic strategy.
afd budget politician Kay Gottschalk sharply criticized the financial direction, stating Germany has become a “financial court jester” due to the anticipated billions in interest payments stemming from the high level of borrowing.The AfD’s primary concern centers on the long-term implications of increasing debt.
Representatives from the Green Party and the Left, while not focusing on the debt itself, voiced objections to how the funds are being allocated. Green Party finance spokesperson Lisa Paus argued that the budget prioritizes “election gifts” over essential infrastructure repairs. Left Party leader Ines Schwerdtner echoed this sentiment, asserting the budget fails to address the needs of the population, specifically citing affordable housing, schools, daycare facilities, elder care, and community support as underfunded areas.Schwerdtner stated, “Real responsibility means investing this money in what really supports a country.”
