General debate in the Bundestag: Scholz proposes “Germany Pact” for more speed

Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) has proposed a “Germany Pact” to the federal states, local authorities and the democratic opposition to modernize the country. According to a position paper on the general debate in the Bundestag, all government agencies should show more speed and courage to make the country faster, more modern and safer from the ground up.

In order to greatly accelerate the approval process, the federal and state governments are to develop a comprehensive package of measures and launch them this year. This included accelerating general procedural law, digitizing planning and approval procedures and simplifying housing construction. Large-capacity and heavy-duty transports as well as important road and rail projects are also to be simplified.

The Online Access Act will promote nationwide digitization. 15 services that are particularly important for citizens and companies should be available digitally by the end of 2024. This includes re-registering your place of residence, digitally applying for housing benefit, driver’s license, ID card, parental benefit and citizen’s benefit. It should also be possible to register a company and found a craft online.

It should become easier to set up start-ups

The “Germany Pact” with the Growth Opportunities Act, which has a volume of more than 32 billion euros, is providing new impetus, the paper continues. With the climate and transformation fund, the federal government will ensure investments in climate-neutral production and the supply of Germany and Europe with strategically important technologies and raw materials.

In addition, it must become easier to found start-ups and make them successful. In addition, the Future Financing Act will improve the framework conditions for start-ups and growth companies.