Merz responded to Trump's demand to spend 5% of GDP on defense.

Germany will increase defense spending but will not meet the NATO target of defense spending

Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz stated that Germany plans to increase its defense spending but will not reach the 5% of GDP proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

In response to Trump's call for NATO member countries to allocate 5% of their GDP to defense, Merz said: 'First, in Germany, we need to reach a minimum of 2% of GDP. We have not yet reached this threshold. 2%, 3% or 5% are not necessarily important. The main thing is that we are doing everything necessary for our security.'

Trump criticized NATO member countries for not adequately paying their share of defense spending and demanded increased contributions.

According to the agency, 'Germany will be able to achieve the NATO target of 2% through a special fund, but after that there remains uncertainty regarding further funding after the fund is used in 2028.'

Merz stated that Germany can cover the increased defense spending without a special fund. At the same time, the Green party chancellor candidate, Germany's Minister of Economics Robert Habeck argues that Germany should aim for 3.5% of GDP, but this would only be possible through loans.