Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner has promised Ukraine long-term aid even after the end of the Russian war of aggression. “Our solidarity with our European neighbors is long-term. And that’s why we need an international Marshall Plan for Ukraine,” said the FDP politician at the beginning of the four-day budget debate in the Bundestag. “We hope for peace soon. But when it is achieved, we will still be there to help with reconstruction, work for a good future and the way to a partnership with the EU.”
After 1945, Western Europe, which had been destroyed by the Second World War, was rebuilt with the Marshall Plan. The US spent billions on it. The young Federal Republic of Germany also benefited greatly from this.
Lindner introduced the 2022 federal budget to parliament on Tuesday. This provides for expenditure of 457.6 billion euros and new debt of 99.7 billion euros. However, it will not stop there. The finance minister announced that he would soon present a supplementary budget. This will only include expenses that are directly related to the Ukraine war, he said in the Bundestag. The supplementary budget is likely to add billions more in debt. Overall, new borrowing of at least 200 billion euros is to be expected. The Bundestag is to pass the budget law in early June.
Lindner also emphasized that he wanted a moratorium on the burden on the German economy because of the war in Ukraine. Everything must be avoided “that could further burden people and companies in this situation,” said the FDP politician. Bureaucratic burdens should take second place to securing economic development. Lindner described the danger of a lack of economic growth coupled with high inflation and promised that the federal government would do everything possible to prevent such a scenario. This included an increase in productivity, an acceleration of planning and approval procedures, relief, but also a modern, open immigration policy.
In view of the high energy prices, Lindner firmly promised relief: “We as a coalition agree: Further relief will come.” It remains unclear how and to what extent. Various models are being debated: such as the fuel discount proposed by Lindner, a higher commuter allowance or a “mobility allowance” proposed by the SPD. Lindner has previously announced that the traffic light coalition will come to an agreement over the course of the week.
During the budget week, the individual ministers will also present their specific plans by Friday. Speeches by Building Minister Klara Geywitz (SPD), Environment Minister Steffi Lemke (Greens) and Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) are planned for Tuesday.