Benda advocates for an economic policy with high levels of public investment and rejects strict austerity measures such as the debt brake.[8][9] In July 2025, Benda accused her coalition partner in Brandenburg, the SPD, of a lack of commitment to economic policy. She particularly criticized a planned trade agreement between the European Union and the USA, which she described as an acute threat to Brandenburg's industry and jobs.[10] Benda called for "open resistance" to this so-called tariff deal and reiterated her demand for the lifting of economic sanctions against Russia.[11]
Benda opposes further armament of the German armed forces and advocates for "diplomatic solutions" to international conflicts. Under Benda's leadership, the Brandenburg branch of the German Armed Forces Association (BSW) called for an end to economic sanctions against Russia and a cap on energy prices. She rejects German arms deliveries to Ukraine and Israel.[12] She criticized the "Zeitenwende speech" proclaimed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz in 2022.[13] In July 2025, a conflict erupted within the Brandenburg governing coalition over the introduction of a mandatory declaration of support for Israel's right to exist in naturalization proceedings. Benda described this step as "instinctless"[14] in light of the Gaza War and the lack of consultation with her party, and called for a coalition committee meeting to clarify the matter. In August 2025, she also criticized the partial halt to arms exports to Israel announced by the German government as insufficient and hardly feasible. Benda demanded instead a complete export ban on all German weapons and diplomatic recognition of the State of Palestine by Germany.[15] In connection with the German government's plans to introduce a new military service, Benda warns against "conscription through the back door." She strongly rejects the plans of Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and criticizes the fact that young people are being "prepared for war under the guise of voluntary service".[16]
