Bundestag Debates Digital Euro and Bitcoin: Parties Remain Divided

Controversial Debate Before Pension Vote

Ahead of the vote on the controversial pension package, the Bundestag held a fundamental debate on digital currencies on Friday. The focus was on Bitcoin, cash, and the planned digital euro ^[1]. The basis was a motion by the AfD parliamentary group from October, which called for, among other things, less regulation for cryptocurrencies and a strategic revaluation of Bitcoin ^[1].

AfD Warns of Surveillance Through Digital Euro

AfD federal parliamentarian Dirk Brandes opened the debate with sharp criticism of the digital euro. "Whoever talks about true financial freedom is not talking about negative interest rates or bank numbers, but about real values: precious metals, cash, and Bitcoin," Brandes said ^[1]. He warned of increasing bureaucracy and surveillance. The digital euro was "the pinnacle of this unappetizing development" ^[1]. The party also calls in its motion for a referendum on the introduction of the digital central bank currency ^[2].

Union Defends EU Regulation

Anja Karliczek of the CDU clearly disagreed with this characterization: "The digital euro is intended to complement cash, not replace it" ^[1]. The European CBDC must be understood as a response to global developments in private blockchain-based currencies ^[1]. Her party colleague Lukas Krieger was more specific about the Union's position on Bitcoin. While recognizing the potential of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, "unlike the applicants, we stand for sensible regulation" ^[1]. The Union continues to rely on the EU regulation MiCA and wants to maintain the tax holding period ^[1].

SPD Views Digital Euro as Sovereignty Issue

Jens Behrens of the SPD faction defended the CBDC project with geopolitical arguments. The project protects European sovereignty against both Russian and American influence ^[1]. "The narrative that the digital euro endangers cash is false," emphasized the member of the Finance Committee ^[1]. Every citizen can freely decide on their payment method.

His party colleague Nadine Heselhaus criticized the contradiction in the AfD motion: "On one hand, they demonize the digital euro as a digital payment method and in the next breath name a cryptocurrency that practically glows with electricity consumption" ^[1].

Greens and Left Demand Tax Reform

The Greens particularly criticized the AfD's demand to enshrine tax-free Bitcoin gains after a one-year holding period in law. Max Lucks, a member of the Finance Committee, sees this as tax discrimination and called on the CDU to close this "justice gap" ^[1].

Isabelle Vandre of the Left went even further: "There must be no lawless spaces for Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies" ^[1]. The party calls for not less, but more regulation ^[1].

Motion Fails to Gain Majority

Overall, the Union, SPD, Greens, and Left rejected the AfD motion ^[1]. However, the debate shows that the question of the future of digital payment methods and the role of cryptocurrencies will continue to occupy parliament.