Germany’s Finance Minister, Lars Klingbeil, has expressed his intention to accelerate infrastructure projects, including working on weekends and at night. In an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, Klingbeil stated that as finance minister, he aims to contribute to a nationwide economic upswing, even if it requires unconventional methods. He cited the example of the new autobahn bridge construction at the Berliner Funkturm, which is being worked on around the clock, with compensation provided to affected residents.
The finance minister is currently preparing the 2025 budget and the law on the planned investment special fund, worth half a billion euros. Both are expected to be approved in the cabinet meeting on June 24. The investment budget for this year is set to increase by almost half compared to the previous year.
Klingbeil dismissed the notion that Sunday work is not in line with the traditional demands of social democracy, stating that the economic performance and job security have always played a significant role in the party’s ideology. As the SPD party leader, he emphasized the need to prioritize the economy, a stance he had advocated for in the previous legislative period.
The finance minister also criticized his predecessors for their handling of the ministry, saying he does not rejoice in retaining funds only to see no progress in the country. Instead, he has announced regular investment reports, focusing on what can be done to make the most of the available funds.
Klingbeil expressed support for reducing the number of budget controls, instead opting for higher liability for those who violate the rules. His goal is to ensure that the construction projects move forward quickly. Despite the advanced stage of the year, he remains optimistic that a significant amount of funds can still be used wisely this year.
In a related matter, Klingbeil called on the interior minister to focus more on facilitating immigration, stating that it is essential to bring in skilled workers, as agreed upon in the coalition agreement.