The Finance Minister of Baden-Württemberg, Danyal Bayaz of the Green Party, has expressed concerns regarding the federal government’s expenditure plans, particularly regarding the utilization of funds from a historic debt package. Speaking to RTL and ntv, Bayaz emphasized the need for these funds to be utilized strategically and with a forward-looking perspective.
He questioned whether funds were being appropriately allocated, citing examples of government subsidies for commuter allowances, reduced VAT rates in the hospitality sector and agricultural diesel. Bayaz suggested that the government was accumulating debt without demonstrating sufficient commitment to structural reforms.
Bayaz advocated for comprehensive structural reforms and posed the question of whether this opportunity was being leveraged to enact bold initiatives or postponed further. He specifically addressed the government’s current approach to pension reform, warning that future generations would face the financial burden of accumulated interest. Consequently, he reiterated a call for adjustments to retirement ages for specific professional groups, arguing it to be economically viable, though clarifying his proposals were not intended for professions such as roofing or tiling.
Furthermore, Bayaz urged the swift implementation of promised reductions in electricity taxes for citizens and businesses alike. He asserted that this measure was essential and required dedicated funding.