Tax cuts, bigger investments: Germany’s SPD adopts election manifesto

It backs defence spending of at least 2% of economic output, in line with NATO’s target, and reforms to Germany’s so-called “debt brake,” which places limits on government borrowing.

Arms deliveries to Ukraine should be continued “with prudence and a sense of proportion,” according to the party programme.

The document warns that Germany and NATO must not become parties to the war between Ukraine and Russia, and rules out the delivery of the long-range Taurus missiles requested by Kiev.

On the hot-button issue of migration, the SPD writes that it is committed to “quick and consistent deportations,” especially of criminals, but continues to prefer the voluntary return of migrants without the right to remain in Germany to their countries of origin.

It says it rejects the relocation of asylum procedures to countries outside the European Union.

The manifesto also calls for Germany’s high-speed train network to offer more frequent service between major cities and more night trains.

The party on Saturday officially confirmed Chancellor Olaf Scholz as its top candidate for February’s parliamentary elections.

Scholz was nominated again as candidate for chancellor by the party’s executive at the end of November, but still needed the approval of delegates.