Berlin, Germany – The German federal states are set to intensify their pressure on the federal government at a minister-presidents’ conference in Berlin on Thursday to expedite the implementation of the 100-billion-euro special fund.
Lower Saxony, for instance, plans to use the funds for investments in schools, roads and flood protection. Minister-President Olaf Lies of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) emphasized the importance of a swift legislative decision, enabling Lower Saxony to incorporate the funds into its state budget. According to the Königstein key, approximately 9.8 billion euros could be allocated to Lower Saxony.
Schleswig-Holstein is also urging a rapid implementation and de-bureaucratization. Minister-President Daniel Günther of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) stressed the need for a visible signal to the population, in order to build trust in the investments. He advocated for a consensus among the states regarding the distribution of the funds and for faster planning and approval procedures. Schleswig-Holstein could receive around 3.5 billion euros.
Günther also expressed concerns regarding the federal government’s plans to alleviate the economy, as tax relief for companies could result in revenue losses for the states. Brandenburg’s Minister-President Dietmar Woidke of the SPD, in turn, warned of financial burdens, particularly for local authorities.
The state leaders will, however, have to forgo a meeting with Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has cancelled his attendance to visit the White House instead. The state leaders plan to reschedule the meeting at a later date.