In the budget dispute of the traffic light coalition, SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich has made new proposals and at the same time criticized Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP).
Mützenich told the German Press Agency (dpa): “I expect seriousness in the deliberations, especially from the cabinet members who are responsible for preparing the budget and who nevertheless keep coming up with extensive spending requests – while at the same time they are referring to the Disciplining others thumping. Preaching water and drinking wine don’t go together.”
FDP rejects statements by Mützenich
The FDP rejects the statements by Mützenich. “The goal of the FDP is prosperity for everyone and that is only possible with more competitiveness. We have to keep the companies and jobs in the country. We make sure that left-wing politics does not deindustrialize Germany. The FDP expects the coalition partners to support economic growth and jobs Because the economy and people finance the welfare state,” said FDP parliamentary group leader Christoph Meyer of the dpa: It applies: first generate, then distribute.
Lindner is demanding an austerity course for the 2024 budget in order to be able to comply with the statutory debt brake. At the same time, he recently campaigned again in Washington for a tax growth package that should strengthen the competitiveness and productivity of the German economy. Most recently, Lindner had also suggested, among other things, investment bonuses, tax incentives for research and new depreciation options.
Mützenich said the upcoming budget deliberations were like open-heart surgery. “Accordingly, I expect cooperation and restraint in communication from everyone involved. The challenges that go beyond the annual budget are too great to put individual sensitivities into the room with small coins. The necessary savings will be a tour de force for everyone.”
“Don’t play with social peace in our country”
The SPD parliamentary group leader also suggested opening the economic stabilization fund. “Of course we have to check exactly where there is potential for savings. But we should also talk about how we can mobilize additional funds from existing reserves. It is important that we invest in the future viability and climate neutrality of our country. We spend a lot of money on this “In a climate-neutral and better world of tomorrow, it will also be about industrial and technical innovations that at the same time secure jobs or create new ones. We have to give impetus here today.”
The economic stabilization fund set up during the corona pandemic was reactivated during the energy crisis in order to cushion the consequences. The fund, which has a volume of up to 200 billion euros, is primarily used to finance the electricity and gas price brake. Due to falling prices, however, the financing of the brakes could become significantly cheaper.
Mützenich went on to say that the SPD pays attention to social balance in the difficult budget deliberations. “We must not play with the social peace in our country. Climate protection, good work and social stability remain the basis for a strong and modern Germany.”
