Financial Matters - CDU exerts influence on the 2025 fiscal plan.
The opposition CDU party in Thuringia's state parliament has called on the current government to present the budget draft for 2025 earlier than originally planned. They want it by the end of June, before the parliamentary summer break, says CDU budget politician Maik Kowalleck.
Finance Minister Heike Taubert (SPD) had previously announced that the budget draft would be available in September, maybe even after the state election. After the election, a new government and state parliament must decide on the budget, which is considered the "king's right" of the legislature.
The reason for this rush to present the budget draft before the election on September 1st is the fear that the majority relations may be difficult and a lengthy government formation could result.
CDU wants to know more from Taubert
The CDU has filed a motion to get information about the timetable and negotiations on the 2025 budget draft from Taubert in the budget committee of the state parliament. "We can't waste any time to keep the state running," said the CDU budget expert. "Nobody knows how soon Thuringia will have a new state government after the election. That's why it's crucial to push forward with budget planning as much as possible. We want the state parliament to be able to decide on the budget right after the election." This is important for those who rely on funds from the state treasury.
The tax estimate in May suggested Thuringia would have around €90 million less income next year than expected. The ministries have applied for a budget requirement of about €2 billion more than what can be financed by expected tax revenues.
"The red-red-green government needs to give Thuringians and Thuringian residents clarity about how they plan to leave the state and how it should be financially secured," the CDU motion states. However, Taubert seems optimistic that a solid budget draft can be presented in time.
Taubert believes reason will prevail
Taubert estimated the proposed spending for 2025 at approximately €13 billion, which would be around the same level as this year. There will be some additional expenses - like the wage agreement and necessary investments or federal program co-financing. "Reason will ultimately prevail" - even though the Finance Minister has to prepare the budget during an election campaign, she said.
The May tax estimate showed that the federal government, states, and municipalities would have a combined shortfall of €80.7 billion until 2028 due to the still weak economy. 1
3: https://www.thueringer-allgemeine.de/politik/thueringen-abergt- additionally-2-milliarden-aus-haushalt
