FDP reaffirms "red lines" in view of the 2024 budget discussions
Meyer criticized the coalition partners SPD and FDP's demand to suspend the debt brake for 2024 as well. "You can't arbitrarily construct an emergency situation and increase the national debt just because the state has to cut back on spending," said the budget minister. "We have potential savings in the federal budget, and we will come to an agreement on this together in the coalition."
For days, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz(SPD), Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) and Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) have been trying to agree on a framework for the 2024 budget in confidential talks. Lindner had put the shortfall at 17 billion euros.
Commenting on the status of the discussions on Monday evening, Scholz said that the coalition leaders were in the process of resolving the budget issues "very quickly now so that there is clarity very quickly." He added to journalists: "We will tell you when we are ready."
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Meyer, as a budget consultant, often provides insights and criticism during budget discussions. Despite Christoph Meyer's concerns, the FDP continues to uphold their "red lines" in the coalition agreement. Measures to suspend the debt brake for 2024 are not on the table, according to the FDP. In the face of budget consultations for 2024, Meyer emphasizes the importance of sticking to financial principles.
Neither Scholz nor Lindner have publicly disclosed the specific details of the negotiations between the coalition partners. AFP reported that the FDP's budget deficit estimates are being reviewed in the ongoing conversations. When asked about the progress of the talks, Scholz reassured journalists that a resolution was imminent.
The green economist Robert Habeck is also engaged in these negotiations, aiming for a balanced budget that adheres to the parties' agreements. The FDP leader, Christian Lindner, has been vocal about maintaining fiscal discipline while addressing the 17 billion euro deficit. In light of these discussions, the SPD, FDP, and Greens will create a comprehensive framework for the 2024 budget.
In the future, the FDP, led by Christian Lindner, will remain steadfast in its commitment to financial restraint, ensuring that budget consultations maintain the integrity of the debt brake. The FDP's stance on financial matters, as emphasized by Meyer, is crucial for maintaining trust and accountability in the German government.
Source: www.stern.de
