Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger (CDU) sharply criticized the stance taken by the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Saxony-Anhalt regarding the massive multi-billion euro federal infrastructure program. Speaking to the newspapers of the Funke media group, Bilger declared that refusing to utilize the 2.6 billion Euros from the special fund would be a “devastating decision” for the state’s citizens.
During a state parliament debate, the AfD had dismissed the federal funding as “shame money.” AfD representative Hans-Thomas Tillschneider stated in October 2025 that the special fund was unnecessary and should be dismantled. He had previously made the assertion: “I promise you-we will not touch the shame money from the Merz special fund.”
Bilger countered this by pointing to the considerable need for investment within the state. He noted that the 2.6 billion Euros available to Saxony-Anhalt could significantly improve numerous areas locally. While acknowledging that the level of debt could be scrutinized, he stressed that a clear need for catch-up investment exists, particularly in many local communities. The minister stated that the AfD’s remarks demonstrated that “the welfare of our state and the improvement of living standards is simply not the priority for the AfD.”
These 2.6 billion Euros from the federal special fund are designated for public infrastructure and measures aimed at fostering economic growth in Saxony-Anhalt. Crucially, 60 percent of these funds go directly to local municipalities, and roughly one billion Euros is made available to the state for its own investment initiatives. The AfD recently won the state election in Saxony-Anhalt and is now in a position to take governmental responsibility in a federal state for the first time.
