In a heated debate in the German Bundestag, the Union party blamed the current coalition government, known as the "Ampel" coalition, for the country's economic downturn.

Jens Spahn, a leading figure in the Union, accused the government of turning a growing economy into one marked by recession and stagnation.

In response, Economy Minister Robert Habeck of the Green Party criticized the Union for undermining future technologies like e-mobility and green hydrogen, arguing that the current economic weakness originated during the Union's time in power.

Habeck urged the Union not to block the coalition's proposed growth package, which aims to boost the economy by half a percentage point.

The debate also highlighted a proposed budget of 10.26 billion euros for the Ministry of Economic Affairs, with additional funds from a climate and transformation fund.