Berlin’s Mayor Kai Wegner Expects Solution to Financial Dispute at Minister’s Conference
Berlin’s Mayor, Kai Wegner of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), expressed optimism that the financial dispute between the federal government and the states would be resolved at the ministerial conference on Wednesday. In an interview with the online news portal T-Online, Wegner stated that a solution would be desirable and he is confident that the federal government and its leader, Friedrich Merz, recognize the pressure the states are under.
Wegner reiterated the need for relief, emphasizing that measures by the federal government should not burden the states’ budgets. He emphasized the importance of a compromise, saying, “It needs to be a give-and-take.” The CDU state premiers had previously suggested increasing the states’ share of the value-added tax as a solution. Wegner said the CDU is flexible and open to different options.
The mayor rejected the federal government’s argument that the states can use part of the infrastructure special fund to offset the increased burden. Wegner argued that the special fund was intended for future investments, not to plug budget holes caused by federal decisions. He emphasized that the special fund should be treated separately and not be used to offset the financial consequences of federal policies.
Although Wegner generally supports the federal government’s measures, he acknowledged that some reforms are more important than others. He stressed that the coalition agreement should be implemented, but he also prioritized other issues, stating that the value-added tax reduction does not have the highest priority for him. Wegner agreed with the federal government’s order of priorities, saying, “I think the order the federal government has chosen is very right.