Chancellor Merz Rejects Further Changes to German Debt Brake Before Next Election
Chancellor Friedrich Merz told a party conference on Saturday that he will not seek further borrowing limit changes. He called more debt irresponsible.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on February 21, 2026, that he will not loosen the constitutionally-enshrined debt brake of Germany 
DE any further before the 2029 federal election. Merz stated that taking on additional debt would be irresponsible, a decision that effectively limits the German federal government's scope to approve further borrowing for the remainder of the current term.
DE any further before the 2029 federal election. Merz stated that taking on additional debt would be irresponsible, a decision that effectively limits the German federal government's scope to approve further borrowing for the remainder of the current term.
