- FDP calls for measures to alleviate the burden on agriculture
The FDP faction in Schleswig-Holstein has called for a relief package for agriculture. "We urge the Minister-President to finally follow through on his words and ease the burden on small and medium-sized farms in agriculture through state-owned measures," said FDP faction leader Christopher Vogt in Kiel.
Minister-President Daniel Günther (CDU) had announced a package in the spring in response to farmers' protests, but nothing has been seen of it so far, according to Vogt. Despite making grand promises, the FDP is now making proposals. The faction advocates for the reduction of unnecessary bureaucracy and significant relief in the area of field hedges.
A hedge, or "knick" in German, is a row of bushes with trees that separates fields and crops and serves as a windbreak. It is pruned every few years, which means it is cut back heavily.
Criticism of portfolio division
Vogt expressed concern that Günther might cave in again to his Green coalition partner. Even relief measures for hunting wild boars had to be implemented by the CDU agriculture minister, Werner Schwarz, through an ordinance because the Greens refused to give their approval.
Furthermore, Vogt criticized the black-green portfolio division, with a CDU-led agriculture ministry and a Green-led environment ministry. From the FDP faction leader's perspective, this leads to the Green minister for the environment constantly braking and blocking his cabinet colleague from the CDU.
I'm not necessarily convinced that the Minister-President will deliver on his promises, as we've seen with relief measures for hunting wild boars being delayed due to Green coalition partner's objections. Despite the FDP's calls for relief, I'm not going to hold my breath for immediate action.
