In the face of the strained financial situation and the upcoming ruling on the solidarity surcharge, CDU politicians are demanding a harsh austerity course in coalition talks with the SPD. “We can no longer afford everything that is desirable” said CDU Bundestag member Fritz Güntzler to the Bild (Saturday edition).
“I assume the Federal Constitutional Court will put an end to the Soli. After a necessary accounting, there will have to be an expenditure prioritization” Güntzler said.
The Federal Constitutional Court is set to deliver its verdict on March 26, determining whether the Soli is unconstitutional. If that is the case, the federal government would lose around 13 billion euros annually, according to CDU budget politician Andreas Mattfeldt, who spoke to the Bild.
“We must set priorities and review budget items to see if they need to be financed by the taxpayer. We have, unfortunately, financed or promoted many unnecessary things in good times, including under Union participation” Mattfeldt said. Notably, it is necessary to review whether, for example, certain non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should still receive state funding.