He specifically praised the increase in military expenditure, while also highlighting a dedicated fund, referred to as the “sports billion” allocated to support municipalities facing financial challenges However, Haase acknowledged that opportunities for influence within the committee were limited due to the advanced stage of the year
Thorsten Rudolph, budgetary spokesperson for the SPD parliamentary group, spoke of “intensive negotiations” leading to the agreement He emphasized the “substantial figures” dedicated to infrastructure investment and stated that the increased defense spending signaled a commitment to fulfilling obligations within NATO and Europe
Both spokespersons highlighted increased funding for the World Food Programme and medical aid, secured during committee discussions despite overall reductions in development aid Regarding the financial stability of health insurance funds, they referred to forthcoming reform proposals being prepared by Health Minister Nina Warken
The conclusive consultations on the 2025 federal budget concluded late the previous evening after an almost eleven-hour session of the Budget Committee Parliamentarians made minor adjustments to the draft budget presented by Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil The core budget now totals 5025 billion euros, approximately 460 million euros less than initially proposed by the federal government However, new borrowing within the core budget is set to remain at the planned level of 818 billion euros
Investments saw a slight increase compared to the government’s initial draft, rising by four million euros to 6273 billion euros Tax revenues remain unchanged at 38684 billion euros
A final debate on the 2025 budget law is scheduled for the week after next in the Bundestag, with a vote expected on September 19th Budgetary deliberations for the current year were significantly delayed due to February’s parliamentary elections and the subsequent change in government in May
