Finance
FDP calls for “generationally fair budget policy”
FDP General Secretary Djir-Sarai (l) and party leader Lindner in conversation: Your party is renewing its call for a real stock pension based on the Swedish model. photo
© Hannes P. Albert/dpa
Your twelve-point paper on the economic transition has already caused a stir at the traffic lights. The FDP is now presenting five points for a budget turnaround. That could cause new unrest.
In view of the budget dispute in the traffic light coalition, the FDP a “generationally fair budget policy”. This must comply with the debt limit of the Basic Law and must not overburden young people when financing pensions, emphasize the Free Democrats in a five-point paper that is to be decided by the party’s executive committee this Monday. The draft is available to the dpa in Berlin.
“The economic turnaround must also be reflected in the state’s budget policy,” it says. “We cannot overburden the state budget with more and more social spending and further limit the scope for action.” Such a policy would further undermine confidence in Germany as a business location and cloud the future prospects of the young generation. “We must, however, create scope for investments in infrastructure and security.” The costs of social systems should not become a threatening burden for companies and employees. “We need the budget turnaround now!”
“Debt brake is an anchor of stability”
The debt brake is an anchor of stability for Germany and Europe, it goes on to say. “It must also be adhered to in 2025.” In order for this to succeed, what was agreed in the coalition agreement must be done: “All federal spending must be put to the test.” The FDP also reiterates its demand that there should be no new joint borrowing in the European Union.
The Liberals emphasize in the paper that earning comes before spending. The federal budget must be a relief budget that strengthens companies and skilled workers and enables them to create new prosperity. “If we don’t succeed in this, we can no longer be one of the largest donors internationally, for example in development aid.” The social systems need to be reformed. The pension at 63 and the citizen’s benefit in its current form create false incentives that Germany cannot afford.
Corrections are also necessary to the statutory pension system. The FDP is renewing its call for a genuine stock pension based on the Swedish model with individual accounts for contributors and the right to a funded additional pension.