- Kretschmann names first priorities for new budget
From the perspective of Minister President Winfried Kretschmann, the double budget for the next two years should focus on the areas of digitalization, security, and research. "These are my top priorities," the Green politician told the German Press Agency in Stuttgart.
In terms of the digitalization of administration, Germany is far behind. Therefore, we need to invest in this area, says Kretschmann. "Then, security is a central issue. We're not dealing with abstract danger situations, but the world around us is in intense turmoil, and threats are increasing," said the Minister President.
This also includes climate change, which threatens security. "This is shown by extreme weather events like floods or prolonged dry spells." To be well-prepared for these crises and the future, we also need to invest in future technologies and research.
Additional funding for language promotion
There is consensus in the green-black coalition to invest in early childhood education. "The language promotion package indeed involves additional expenses that we must make," said Kretschmann. The state plans to invest in a multi-million package for language promotion in kindergartens and elementary schools starting in the next school year. In the final expansion by the school year 2028/2029, it foresees mandatory language promotion.
For example, children who still have language problems at the start of school will initially be prepared for elementary school in so-called junior classes. The package also provides for strengthened language promotion in kindergartens. The government is reacting to clear performance drops among elementary school students with these measures.
Less money available for new projects
Green-Black is currently drawing up a budget plan for the years 2025 and 2026, which should be adopted by the state parliament by the end of the year. The negotiations over the plan are difficult this year because there is less money available for new projects than in previous years. Moreover, it is the last budget for the current legislative period. Political projects not reflected in it are unlikely to be realized until the next regular state election in the spring of 2026.
Kretschmann emphasized the need to focus on the essential. "We don't have to save yet. We just can't do everything we want. That's the difference. Everyone talks about saving but means they don't get all their wishes fulfilled. Saving is something else."
The increase in extreme weather events, such as floods, is a direct consequence of climate change, which poses a significant threat to security. To mitigate these challenges and prepare for future crises, additional investments in research and future technologies are necessary.
