The upcoming conference of transport ministers is poised to highlight a growing rift between the federal government and state authorities regarding the funding of Germany’s critical road infrastructure. North Rhine-Westphalia’s Transport Minister Oliver Krischer (Green Party) is publicly urging the federal government to swiftly adjust financial allocations for federal highways ahead of the meeting, scheduled to begin this Wednesday.
Krischer, in an interview with the “Rheinische Post” expressed deep concern over the continued austerity measures being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Transport, despite additional funding pledged by the governing coalition. He specifically criticized the ministry’s decision to significantly reduce funding for the maintenance of federal roads, arguing the cuts jeopardize vital infrastructure and public safety.
The reduction extends beyond major repairs to encompass regular upkeep of roadways managed by the states, a decision Krischer slammed as short-sighted and detrimental. He warned that, unless federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) reverses course, the number of potholes and dilapidated bridges on federal highways will demonstrably increase next year, even with the existence of a dedicated special fund.
This financial dispute is particularly volatile given the broader agenda slated for discussion at the Straubing conference, which includes ongoing debates surrounding the financing of federal highways, the precarious situation within the national rail network and the uncertain future of the heavily subsidized Deutschlandticket program. The disagreement underscores a potential breakdown in cooperation between the federal government and its state counterparts, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of Germany’s transport system and the political ramifications of underfunding essential infrastructure. The conference outcome could significantly shape the direction of German transport policy for years to come.
