Coronavirus helps - In 2024, 44 million euros were utilized from the designated funds.
In Saxony-Anhalt, only around 7% of the 2024 Corona relief fund has been utilized so far. "[Michael] Richter (CDU), the region's Finance Minister, emphasized to the German Press Agency, 'There's a lot of money in the system currently. However, we need to understand just how much of it we can use to help'." By the end of May this year, a meager 44 million euros out of the 638 million euros allocated had been spent.
The aim of these funds is two-fold: mitigating the effects of the pandemic and preparing for potential future pandemics over a long period. "According to Richter, '[It's not] merely about the repercussions of the pandemic, but also about making the nation safer in case of pandemics.'" Some of the money is designated for acquiring new technology for schools and universities. Furthermore, the state government intends to invest in hospitals and increase the adoption of digitalization efforts.
The initial Corona special fund had an approximate value of 2 billion euros in 2021. However, a court decision mandated that the money for these initiatives be distributed in smaller amounts annually. For this year, it surpasses 600 million euros, which is obtained through credits allowed under the debt brake exception regulation for emergencies.
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- Despite having special assets worth billions, only a small portion, approximately 7%, of the Corona relief fund assigned for Saxony-Anhalt has been utilized so far, as stated by Finance Minister Michael Richter of the CDU party.
- The utilization of the designated funds in Saxony-Anhalt is guided towards mitigating the impacts of the pandemic and preparing for potential future pandemics, with investments in sectors like education, hospitals, and digitalization initiatives.
- Special funds allocated for fighting coronavirus, such as those in Saxony-Anhalt, often face legal challenges, as seen with the court decision mandating the distribution of funds in smaller annual amounts rather than in one lump sum.
- Michael Richter, the Finance Minister of Saxony-Anhalt, highlighted the importance of using special assets to not only manage the consequences of the pandemic but also to enhance the country's ability to deal with such crises in the future, particularly within the healthcare sector.
