Germany's AfD, Left Win Enough Seats to Veto Constitutional Changes
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and Germany's Left party jointly secured one third of seats in the new parliament, allowing them to block changes to the constitution, including a loosening of the country's debt brake. The debt brake restricts budget deficits to 0.35% of gross domestic product, though that excludes top-ups of the special fund for defence or the creation of a new special fund. This development creates tensions with Germany's NATO allies, including the Trump administration.
- The complex interplay between far-right and far-left parties in German politics raises questions about the country's ability to balance competing interests and ideologies.
- How will Germany's newfound legislative power impact its relationships with European partners and global leaders, particularly those from the United States?