- SPD leader criticizes open coalition dispute over budget
SPD leader Lars Klingbeil sharply criticizes the renewed coalition dispute over the 2025 federal budget. "It could have been avoided, arguing publicly again," he said in the party headquarters in Berlin. It is the clear expectation of citizens and his own that the government does its job "and doesn't always put on this public spectacle."
The assessment of the opinions on controversial projects in the next year's budget could have been done quietly in the background. Public communication on this was not necessary. "That's government action, it shouldn't be a drama in society, it should happen." Now he expects the government to clarify where the missing five billion euros could come from.
Next week, the draft is to be submitted to the Bundestag.
The coalition's budget dispute flared up again in recent days. The background is three projects that were supposed to reduce the financing gap in the budget for the coming year by a total of eight billion euros. Lindner had commissioned expert opinions to evaluate the plans due to legal and economic concerns. These confirmed the concerns in part, but also showed ways to implement at least two of the three measures.
By mid-August, Scholz, Lindner, and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck (Greens) will again be looking for solutions. Habeck told the Funke media group that he would only comment on the matter if a solution is found. Next week, the budget draft will be forwarded to the Bundestag, which needs a lot of time for deliberation.
The public airing of disagreements over the projects' assessments contributes to the ongoing coalition dispute. It would have been more feasible for these discussions to take place privately within the coalition, avoiding any unnecessary tension.
The resolution of the coalition dispute over the missing five billion euros in the federal budget becomes increasingly pressing, as the draft is due to be submitted to the Bundestag next week.
