Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, also the leader of the Social Democratic Party, has announced individual talks with the cabinet next week for the budget preparation. “Everything is really under a financing conditionality” Klingbeil said in an interview with the “Rheinische Post” (Saturday edition). He called on all colleagues to participate constructively in these discussions.
“It won’t work any other way” Klingbeil emphasized, adding that the first package, which the cabinet plans to decide on June 25, will clearly be one to boost the economy. All ministries will have to cut back on spending, particularly on personnel in ministries, authorities and administrative expenses. “We want to become more efficient” he said.
The finance minister also stressed that he would not give up on these talks and would conduct them personally with each minister. “I assume that we will pull together in the cabinet to establish a solid budget” he said.
The vice-chancellor rejected the accusation of using special funds for budget consolidation. “There are clear agreements that ten percent of the budget must be reserved for investments” he said, adding that all investments from the 500-billion-euro special fund will be in addition to these reserves. The goal is to build more quickly, modernize the country and have the citizens feel the benefits. “Shifting money from one pot to another does not bring investments” Klingbeil said, also noting that this applies to the states as well.