In the political tug-of-war over the planned special fund for the Bundeswehr, Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) is hoping for an agreement.

When asked what this would look like, Habeck told the “Welt am Sonntag”: “That the Bundeswehr will receive as many new weapons and functional equipment as possible and that the financing of necessary security-related systems cannot be ruled out.” The first parliamentary manager of the Union faction, Thorsten, too Frei (CDU) was optimistic in the "Rheinische Post" that "we can reach an agreement on Sunday".

The federal government wants to strengthen the Bundeswehr with the special program of 100 billion euros and thus close equipment gaps.

The special fund is to be anchored in the Basic Law, which requires a two-thirds majority in the Bundestag and Bundesrat – so the CDU/CSU opposition must be brought on board.

However, the Union has set several conditions for approval.

What is controversial is exactly what the money should be spent on.

"The money debate is easy to resolve"

Habeck said: "It is indisputable that the Bundeswehr is now being made operational as soon as possible, that is necessary and expressly correct.

However, the country's ability to defend itself is not defined solely by the number of weapons it has, but also by protection against digital attacks on critical infrastructure.” It is clear that all investments from the special fund relate to defense capability.

“So we're not talking about buying technical equipment for development cooperation.

In my view, this debate about money is easy to resolve.”

The Union wants to know by law that the special fund is used exclusively for the Bundeswehr.

The previously planned wording “to strengthen alliance and defense capability” is too vague for her.

Green politician Anton Hofreiter called on the Union to give up its resistance to the previously planned formulation.

"The Union should not block itself further," said Hofreiter of the "Rheinische Post".

The pressure of expectations on the part of the allies is great in many areas.

"Therefore, there would be little understanding if the strengthening of alliance and defense capabilities did not play a role."

Union faction deputy Mathias Middelberg told the "Rheinische Post" that it was difficult to find a compromise in the wording of the Basic Law.

"It must be clear that the special fund will be used for the Bundeswehr, not for other purposes." CDU politician Frei urged hurry up in the negotiations for the special fund.

"We should not wait any longer because nothing less than the security of our country is at stake."

SPD faction leader Rolf Mützenich accused the Union of “party political games”.

One wants to decide on the special fund for the Bundeswehr together with the Union, he told the “Passauer Neue Presse”.

"However, I am concerned about the reliability of the Union, which does not focus on the interests of the Bundeswehr, but on their party tactical advantage." When asked when an agreement must be reached with the special fund, Mützenich referred to the adoption planned for next week of the household.

"It makes sense to also decide on the special fund," he said.