FDP wants to scrutinize subsidies after budget ruling
Against the backdrop of the federal government's current budget crisis, the FDP parliamentary group in Baden-Württemberg is calling for all financial subsidies in the state to be reviewed. Faction leader Hans-Ulrich Rülke said in Stuttgart that the constitutional court ruling on the federal budget had clearly shown that priorities had to be set and subsidies critically scrutinized. "This also applies to Baden-Württemberg: permanent subsidy programs, special funding for constituency interests or one-sided support for the ruling parties' favourite associations should be scrapped without replacement more than ever."
According to the parliamentary group, there are currently around 300 funding programs in the southwest. Last year, they had a total volume of 8.74 billion euros or 14 percent of the entire state budget. "With around 80 programs, 3.37 billion euros and a share of 38.6 percent of all state funding, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, as the primary sponsor of companies, is the largest provider of funding of all state ministries," it says in a position paper.
The Green-Black coalition must make a clean sweep of the programs. "We need a fundamental reorganization," continued Rülke. The entire system needs to be redesigned. "Transparent and digital, according to clear criteria, purpose-oriented and with solid funding."
The Federal Constitutional Court had ruled that the federal government may not use funds intended to combat the coronavirus crisis for climate protection. The amendment to the 2021 supplementary budget is therefore unconstitutional. The CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag has thus successfully filed a lawsuit against the reallocation. Due to the emergency situation during the coronavirus pandemic, the federal government had subsequently increased the 2021 budget by 60 billion euros in the form of a credit authorization. In such extraordinary situations, it is possible to take out loans despite the debt brake.
The FDP in Baden-Württemberg suggests reviewing all financial subsidies in the household sector, as the constitutional court ruling on the federal budget highlighted the need for priority setting and critical scrutiny of subsidies. The parliamentary group advocates for the elimination of permanent subsidy programs, special funding for constituency interests, and one-sided support for favorite associations, without replacement.
In light of the FDP's call for scrutiny, it's essential to evaluate Finances associated with household subsidies, ensuring that resources are allocated in a purposeful and transparent manner within the state budget.
Source: www.dpa.com
