Germany's Finance Minister Christian Lindner has defended the controversial 2025 budget proposal, which has sparked debate even within the ruling coalition.

The budget, presented to the Bundestag, faces criticism for its alleged financial gaps and reliance on unguaranteed funds.

Lindner emphasized the budget's legal soundness, learning from past mistakes when the Constitutional Court cut 60 billion euros from the climate fund due to misallocated COVID-19 loans.

Despite internal disagreements, the government aims to counteract Germany's economic slowdown with record investments, while maintaining the debt brake.

The budget plans for nearly 490 billion euros in spending, with a new debt of 51.3 billion euros, higher than initially planned.

Critics, including the CDU, argue the budget is unrealistic and could lead to financial shortfalls.

The government hopes to address these gaps through potential savings and increased tax revenues.