As a German I can say that this picture makes no sense. Merkel was one of the most left-wing Chancellor of all time. Merkel’s coalition has paused compulsory military service and cut the Bundeswehr to the bone. During her time, the Bundeswehr received only 37 billion a year in some cases, although the German economic institutes have calculated that the Bundeswehr needs around 2% of GDP to maintain the status quo. 37 billion is less than 1%.
As a German I can say that this picture makes no sense. Merkel was one of the most left-wing Chancellor of all time. Merkel’s coalition has paused compulsory military service and cut the Bundeswehr to the bone. During her time, the Bundeswehr received only 37 billion a year in some cases, although the German economic institutes have calculated that the Bundeswehr needs around 2% of GDP to maintain the status quo. 37 billion is less than 1%.