Lang: Debate suspension for subsequent years as well
Following the announced suspension of the debt brake for 2023, Green Party leader Ricarda Lang also wants to discuss this path for subsequent years. "We will have to continue to talk about investment leeway for the next few years and, of course, continue to talk about the debt brake," she said on ZDF's "heute journal" on Thursday. Two questions arose. "One is the question of suspension, for example for 2024 or 2025. We now need to discuss this within the government," she said.
The second question concerns a fundamental reform of the debt brake enshrined in the Basic Law, which would require a two-thirds majority, said Lang, referring to the opposition CDU/CSU. She also rejected calls to cut social spending. "We will not take part in any social cuts in this country. We are not prepared for this crisis, a serious crisis for our entire country, to be carried out on the backs of the most vulnerable," said the Green Party leader.
The Federal Constitutional Court had declared the reallocation of 60 billion euros in corona loans in favor of a special pot for climate protection and the development of a CO2-neutral economy null and void. This plunged the coalition into a budget crisis. Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) declared on Thursday that he would make use of the debt brake exemption for this year. His spokeswoman said that the federal government would propose to the Bundestag that an extraordinary emergency situation be resolved.
The debt brake enshrined in the Basic Law only gives the federal government limited scope for borrowing. Exceptions are permitted in the event of natural disasters and extraordinary emergencies, such as the recent coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
The Green Party leader proposes discussing the suspension of the debt brake for additional years, such as 2024 or 2025, within the federal government. This discussion on Finances is crucial for the Household budget planning. Furthermore, the Bundesdag, the German federal parliament, will be asked to consider and approve the federal government's proposal for an extraordinary emergency situation resolution.
Source: www.dpa.com
