The reform of Germany’s debt brake, a key commitment outlined in the governing coalition agreement, is prompting calls for a swift and decisive process. Thorsten Rudolph, parliamentary budget policy spokesman for the SPD parliamentary group, has articulated a desire for expediency.
Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” Rudolph stated his expectation that the government commission, established according to the coalition agreement, will rapidly develop proposals for modernizing the debt brake within the coming months. These reforms should enable sustainable and increased investment in the nation’s strength. He further emphasized the need for the governing parties to actively seek and secure the necessary parliamentary support across all democratic factions to enact a corresponding legislative draft based on the commission’s recommendations.
Rudolph’s remarks also included a subtle reference to recent tensions within the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, known as the Union faction. He expressed confidence that the modernization process could succeed without encountering further internal disciplinary issues, alluding to the failed judicial election and the subsequent debate surrounding Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, which had generated opposition from several Union members.
Christian Haase, budget policy spokesman for the Union faction, acknowledged the importance of the commission, while tempering expectations. He highlighted the selection of esteemed and experienced individuals from academia, politics and practice, ensuring comprehensive and well-founded discussions of potential reform options. However, Haase underscored that any reforms must ultimately preserve the debt brake as a vital instrument of fiscal stability and uphold European guidelines.
