Germany’s outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz has hailed a multi-billion-euro spending package that passed the Bundestag on Tuesday as an important contribution to European defence efforts.
Speaking at a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Berlin, Scholz said that parliament had taken a “historic decision that will enable Germany to live up to its responsibility.”
“With three amendments to the constitution, we are breaking the shackles that have so far prevented us from spending enough on defence,” Scholz added. “These resolutions are important, they are right and they are appropriate.”
Macron congratulated Scholz on the “historic vote in the Bundestag,” calling it “good news” for Germany and Europe.
“It’s good news because it will make it possible to do more for defence, for investment, and that’s what we need,” he said.
Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) and France’s President Emmanuel Macron speak during a press conference after their meeting at the Federal Chancellery. Michael Kappeler/dpa
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