According to Andreas Audretsch, the “turning point” quoted by Chancellor Olaf Scholz means more than “just a NATO quota”. The Green budget politician doubts that the debt brake will be adhered to.
Green politicians believe that the German government’s reaction to the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine must be more comprehensive than what Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) has promised.
“A comprehensive investment package is now needed for security in Europe and a crisis-proof society,” said Andreas Audretsch, member of the budget committee, of the German Press Agency. In addition to adequate equipment for the Bundeswehr, security means ending the enormous dependence on oil, coal and gas from Russia – also through massive investments in the expansion of renewable energies.
MEPs felt overwhelmed
Many members of the Greens and also some SPD politicians felt surprised by Scholz at the Bundestag session last Sunday and later expressed criticism. In a government statement in response to the war in Ukraine started by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the chancellor announced that the Bundeswehr should receive 100 billion euros from a special fund for investments and armament projects. The money will be provided with the 2022 budget.
At the same time, Scholz promised that from now on Germany would comply with the NATO target and invest more than two percent of its gross domestic product in defense. Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) also asserts that the debt brake will be observed from 2023.
“Response completely insufficient”
Putin’s war has fundamentally changed the political framework for action, said Audretsch, who is the coordinator of the parliamentary left in the Greens parliamentary group. Scholz was therefore right to speak of a “turning point”. “His reaction to it, however, is completely inadequate,” he added. Responding to a turning point “only with a NATO quota” would in no way do justice to the challenges ahead.
The war means higher energy prices, which aggravates the situation for people on low incomes. Therefore, the standard rates for recipients of social benefits would have to be adjusted, demanded the Green MP. “In addition, the possibility must be created quickly to pay out money to all people with low incomes.” The state must also guarantee a warm apartment for everyone next winter. In view of these challenges and the necessary investments in humanitarian aid, it is clear: “The debt brake will not be able to be complied with either this year or next.”
Source: Stern
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