A German Bundestag member, Hanna Steinmüller of the Green party, has expressed the opinion that the debt brake reform is necessary for the next generations, both in terms of content and financial feasibility. According to Steinmüller, in an interview with the TV channel “Welt” on Tuesday, the next generations will also need a functioning infrastructure, defense security and climate protection.
She emphasized the importance of ensuring that future generations feel their country is functioning, that they live in a working state and that efforts are made to ensure the country becomes climate-neutral by 2045, as stated in the constitutional amendment. Steinmüller also acknowledged the need to pay off current debts, stating that it is the responsibility of the current generation as well.
Although she would have preferred a more even distribution of the debt burden across the generations, Steinmüller believes it is too late for that now. She did, however, suggest that it would be sensible to discuss how the current generation could also take on some of the costs and that the focus should be on ensuring a good life for the next generations.
Steinmüller also emphasized the need for investment in the country’s infrastructure, stating that a country with no functioning roads and railways is not one that the next generations should inherit. She believes that the focus should now be on investing to keep the country running.