The Finance Minister of Baden-Württemberg, Danyal Bayaz of the Green Party, has voiced concerns regarding the German federal government’s spending plans. Speaking to RTL and ntv, Bayaz emphasized the need for strategic and forward-looking investment of funds allocated from the historic debt package.
He expressed reservations about the current federal budget, suggesting potential misuse of resources. Bayaz specifically cited government subsidies for commuter allowances, reduced value-added tax in the hospitality sector and agricultural diesel as examples, asserting that the government is accumulating significant debt while demonstrating a lack of commitment to structural reforms.
Bayaz advocated for a proactive approach to structural reforms, questioning whether the current opportunity would be leveraged to implement necessary changes or deferred further. He pointed to the government’s recent measures concerning pensions as a case in point, warning that younger generations would ultimately bear significant financial burdens due to accruing interest. He reiterated his previous calls for adjusted retirement ages for certain professional groups, which he deemed economically justifiable, clarifying that his proposals wouldn’t apply to professions like roofing or tiling.
Furthermore, Bayaz urged the swift reduction of electricity taxes for both citizens and businesses, a promise previously made by the governing coalition. He classified this as an “absolutely necessary measure” and stated that the necessary funds must be allocated accordingly.
