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Juso Chairwoman Jessica Rosenthal has spoken out in favor of a fundamentally different financial policy.
"My demand is very clear that the debt brake falls," she said in SPIEGEL's top-level talks with Markus Feldenkirchen.
With Russia's attack on Ukraine and the change in Germany's security policy, Rosenthal sees the time as "when we completely question all the principles that applied before."
The SPD and the Greens understood that too.
It annoys her "that the FDP acts as if she could hold on to the beliefs of the past."
Rosenthal explained that not only the Bundeswehr is part of a well-fortified democracy.
"As little military spending as possible and as much as necessary," she said.
»We have to look at where to invest now.«
For example in renewable energies and education, also in hospital financing.
If the debt brake does not fall, a property levy must also be considered.
During the election campaign, the SPD and the Greens had called for this.
In the coalition agreement, however, traffic light partner FDP prevented such a measure.
approval for debt
Green politician Jürgen Trittin agreed with Rosenthal.
"Sometimes it's even the case that you don't have to do one or the other, but even both," said Trittin.
He was referring to the United States.
They financed their participation in World War II not only with a national debt, but also by creating a tax system that not only included property taxes, but also taxed income over $200,000 at a rate of 90 percent.
Today that income would be around $2 million, Trittin added.
Without a suspension of the debt brake, he does not know how the expenses should be paid.
Trittin explained that what Scholz had set in motion with the planned 100 billion special funds for armaments spending was practically an approval for debt - despite the debt brake.
"He gave certain indications as to what the money should be spent on." But when the 100 billion will actually flow is quite open.
"He can always walk around with it and say: Look, we're fulfilling our obligations," said Trittin.
One must do what is necessary to defend this country.
NATO's two percent target is of little use.
More upgrades may be needed.
Mfh