A German coalition agreement is being negotiated, with the SPD’s budget policymakers pushing for cost savings in the federal budget. According to a report in the “Bild” newspaper, SPD negotiators are urging their colleagues to come up with proposals for cost savings to match new expenditure requests in their working groups. The newspaper cites sources close to the negotiations.
The SPD’s budget policymakers are also reportedly advocating for a significant reduction in the number of federal officials, with the goal of nearly eliminating the position. Additionally, a hiring freeze is being discussed for federal ministries and civil servants, with the exception of the military, federal police and customs, the “Bild” reports. The newspaper also mentions that the expansion of the Chancellor’s Office might be put on hold, citing sources familiar with the negotiations.
Ralf Stegner, a SPD member of the German parliament, told the “Bild” that “the special funds should not be used to take the pressure off the negotiations. It’s not a carnival up in heaven.