Suspending the debt brake is highly controversial in the traffic lights. CSU boss Söder doesn’t want any change – and is disappointed by Lindner’s recent statements. The finance minister reacted promptly.
Bavaria’s Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) does not want any changes to the debt brake. “The debt brake will not be softened. I am also very disappointed that Christian Lindner said in a new interview, well, maybe we could tinker with it a little,” said Söder on the ZDF program “Berlin Direkt”, referring to the finance minister Lindner (FDP). Under no circumstances will the Union agree to a change to the debt brake in the Bundestag, said Söder. “This means that the necessary two-thirds majority is not available for a situation to change the constitution.”
Lindner rejects a fundamental reform of the debt brake as demanded by the coalition partners SPD and the Greens – but he recently announced plans for a partial reform next year. The FDP politician told the Germany editorial network on Saturday that it was planned to revise the calculation of the so-called economic component, which leaves more leeway in the event of a downturn. “The intention is to adapt the calculation to the current state of economic research, which will change the range of fluctuations,” he said.
The finance minister wrote on the X platform (formerly Twitter) that he was somewhat disappointed in Söder. “As a former finance minister, he should know that updating the calculation of the economic component of the debt brake does not lead to higher debt.” Therefore, a two-thirds majority is not required.
Because of the gigantic German national debt, the debt brake was anchored in the Basic Law in 2009. A two-thirds majority in the Bundestag and Bundesrat would be necessary for a fundamental reform. The economic component, on the other hand, is only anchored in an implementing law for the debt brake.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
