Friedrich Merz, likely Germany's next chancellor, announced a political deal for significant spending on defense and infrastructure, emphasizing urgency due to threats to freedom and peace. He proposed a €500bn fund for infrastructure repairs and changes to budget rules to increase defense spending. Despite Germany's previous aid to Ukraine, its military remains underfunded. The new parliament will address these proposals, with exploratory talks ongoing among coalition parties. Teljes cikk (bbc.com europe)