The Minister-President of Saarland, Anke Rehlinger (SPD), is strongly pushing back against planned social reforms by the federal government, stressing that these initiatives must not place an undue financial burden on the respective state budgets. Speaking to “Die Welt”, Rehlinger argued that both the CDU/CSU and the SPD share a collective responsibility in finding alternative funding to cover the necessary relief measures.
Rehlinger warned that if no form of co-financing is secured, reforms debated in the Bundesrat (Federal Council) face the likelihood of failure, given that no German state can absorb billions of euros in additional costs, regardless of their best intentions. She insisted that the paramount objective for the federal government must be sparking new economic growth. “Social cuts do not create a single job,” she stated, highlighting this as the core challenge facing the country.
Meanwhile, Boris Rhein (CDU), her colleague in Hesse, acknowledged that Germany requires a “reform restart.” He added that the federal government’s future success hinges on its ability to make the country more competitive, more capable, and stronger economically. However, Rhein cautioned that such a restart can only maintain momentum if it is built upon a sound financial foundation. He pointed out that states and municipalities are already reaching their financial limits.
Consequently, Rhein supported the fundamental principle established in the coalition agreement: “Who orders, pays.” He affirmed that Hesse will evaluate all reform proposals based on whether they successfully advance the economy, strengthen performance, and are financially sustainable.
