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Habeck proposes special funds to relieve the burden on companies
Robert Habeck proposes an “Economic Opportunities Act times 10”. photo
© Hannes P. Albert/dpa
A special fund worth billions to solve structural problems? These are the ideas of Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck during the budget discussions – but they are not well received.
Habeck spoke of an “Economic Opportunities Act times 10, maybe times 50, to move this country forward.” After the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, a special fund worth 100 billion euros was created for the Bundeswehr with the necessary approval of the Union.
Criticism of the proposal
Habeck’s proposal for a debt-financed special fund was immediately rejected within the coalition. FDP parliamentary group deputy Lukas Köhler said Habeck’s proposal to reduce tax burdens for companies was worth considering. The framework conditions for greater economic growth must be improved. However, Köhler made it clear that he believes the option of more debt is wrong.
CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt told the German Press Agency: Germany does not need any new special debts to prolong the traffic light misery. Companies now need an expansion of energy supply instead of a shortage, a reduction in corporate taxes instead of tax increases and less bureaucracy instead of constant traffic light madness. We clearly reject Habeck’s call for ever new debts.”
Union parliamentary group vice-president Jens Spahn said that before Habeck offers the Union talks, he should first ensure cohesion in the coalition. Habeck has been in power for two years and the result is a recession in Germany. “Germany as a location is in danger.”
Spahn also criticized the fact that the federal government had not sought discussions with the states in advance about the already planned Growth Opportunities Act. Tax relief is planned for companies with a relief of seven billion euros per year. However, the Federal Council blocked the law because it led to a loss of income for the states. The state chamber had called the mediation committee of the Bundestag and Bundesrat. This will meet in just under three weeks.
AfD MP Wolfgang Wiehle said: “The so-called energy transition is priceless.” He spoke of green ideology. “Green is the political color of relegation.”