The German Bundestag is embroiled in a heated debate over the 2025 federal budget, which has revealed a significant $12 billion financing gap.

The budget, amounting to over $488 billion, is under scrutiny for its reliance on new debts and a controversial 'global underspending' strategy to cover the shortfall.

Finance Minister Christian Lindner has defended the budget, emphasizing the need for creative solutions to close the gap.

However, opposition leader Friedrich Merz has criticized the plan as unrealistic, likening it to hoping for a restaurant bill reduction.

The Green Party, while supporting the budget, calls for reconsideration of the debt brake to allow necessary investments in climate and infrastructure.

The Bundestag must finalize the budget by November, with intense negotiations expected in the coming weeks.