Dresden (dpa / sn) - The response to the Saxon double budget for the years 2023 and 2024 is very different. In addition to praise, there was also criticism on Wednesday. On Tuesday evening, the state parliament approved a record budget with expenditure totaling 49.34 billion euros. This was made possible above all because the forecasts for tax revenue are higher and, in addition, a considerable amount of funds were drawn from the reserves. The double budget is financed without taking on new debt.
Social Minister Petra Köpping (SPD) highlighted the challenges for her department. "Due to the current crises, many people are in a difficult situation. But no one is at the mercy of the challenges and major tasks alone. It is the task of all of us to cope with this," emphasized the minister. The social budget plays its part in this. "We are stabilizing, reviving and strengthening our social infrastructure."
The construction industry association praised the budget primarily because of the comparatively high investment rates of 17.6 and 16.8 percent. "In times of noticeable uncertainty, in which the local construction industry has to face higher building interest rates, rising building material prices and friction in supply chains, politicians have to ensure a sustainable investment situation," said Managing Director Robert Momberg. This is the only way the construction industry can continue to be one of the cornerstones of the economy in Bavaria. The double budget is "a step in the right direction and a glimmer of hope in the darkening economic sky".
Above all, the FDP criticized the increase in staff to around 94,000 state servants and accused the coalition parties of the CDU, Greens and SPD of having the wrong priorities. "The Free State thinks too much of itself," was the conclusion of party leader Anita Maass. "Hiring teachers and police officers is certainly indisputable. However, expanding staff in the ministry administration instead of criticizing tasks is the wrong approach." The budget is not sustainable.
"The state government may spend more tax money than ever in the next two years, but this budget is still hardly suitable for getting the country through crises well," said left-wing politician Nico Brünler. The bottom line is that inflation is making the record budget a cut budget. "Even this double budget only knows one winner: the finance minister."
