打破多项纪录，或有“失控危险”，德国争议声中通过2026年预算草案

Core Viewpoint - Germany is moving away from decades of fiscal conservatism, leading to significant controversy as the government approves a record budget proposal for 2026, which includes substantial investments in infrastructure and defense, alongside increased borrowing [1][2]. Group 1: Budget and Investment - The German cabinet approved a budget draft that includes a record investment of €126.7 billion, which is 10% higher than 2025 and 70% higher than 2024, along with €174.3 billion in borrowing as part of its infrastructure and defense financial plan [1][4]. - The core budget for 2026 will see an additional €89.9 billion in loans, with two special funds for infrastructure and climate protection, and federal defense, adding €84.4 billion in debt [4]. Group 2: Economic Context - The increase in spending is part of the government's plan to revive a stagnant economy, as Germany is the only G7 country that has not achieved growth in the past two years, with predictions of economic stagnation for the current year [2]. - The government hopes that the record budget will stimulate economic growth and increase tax revenues, focusing on upgrading infrastructure and significant funding for defense [2]. Group 3: Debt and Fiscal Challenges - The total borrowing for 2026 is projected to reach €1,743 billion, marking a significant increase compared to the previous government's borrowing of €505 billion in 2024 [4]. - The mid-term fiscal plan anticipates net borrowing of €851 billion from 2025 to 2029, exceeding previous estimates, with a goal to increase federal debt by 50% to approximately €2.5 trillion [4][6]. Group 4: Political Reactions and Criticism - The budget policy has been described as "shocking," with internal government discussions acknowledging the high budget deficit as a central fiscal challenge, yet no concrete reform proposals have been presented to address rising social expenditures [5][7]. - Critics, including opposition parties, argue that the government must abandon its reckless spending habits, warning that the social welfare system could face severe threats if current spending continues unchecked [7][8].