Merz acknowledged that many are struggling to digest the wider spending plans but argued that "they open prospects for our country that, in the times we are living in, are urgently needed."
The package was brought to the old parliament — not the newly elected one, which will hold its first session March 25, in which parties that were unlikely to agree have just over one-third of the seats. The far-right, anti-immigration Alternative for Germany portrays itself as a staunch defender of the "debt brake," while the Left Party opposes it but is skeptical about military spending.
"A politician's greatest asset is credibility and with this embarrassing action, dear Mr. Merz, you have already squandered yours completely," Alternative for Germany co-leader Tino Chrupalla said. "Voters feel cheated by you, and rightly."
Ahead of Tuesday's vote, Germany's highest court rejected several bids to block the meeting of the outgoing parliament.