The Alternative for Germany (AfD) fails to stop a budget emergency discussion in Brandenburg's parliament next week. The constitutional court of Brandenburg dismissed their urgent application, declaring on Friday evening that they found no compelling reasons requiring an immediate injunction.
According to the AfD parliamentary group, the court should have halted any hearing or recommendation to declare the emergency before the year's end. The state parliament should have passed this resolution by the latest at the end of January.
"We vehemently object to the state parliament declaring an emergency hastily, disregarding the consultation rights and duties of parliament," mentioned AfD party leader Hans-Christoph Berndt before the court ruling. He also likened the situation to Berlin's unconstitutional resolution on the Building Energy Act earlier due to insufficient deliberation time.
Insights:
The German debt brake, a constitutional provision, stipulates no borrowing except in emergency situations, like the current situation in 2024 with a €25 billion budget deficit. Parties like the FDP oppose borrowing and suggest instead cutting public expenditures. However, the ongoing political and economic challenges could create instability and affect growth, currently predicted at 0.3% for 2025 and 1.1% for 2026.
The Constitutional Court evaluates whether laws conform to the country's fundamental principles. For instance, it ruled out the €750 billion aid package during the COVID-19 pandemic. The AfD's rejected application wasn't specifically related to declaring a budget emergency, but its implications might set a precedent well beyond Brandenburg.
Sources:
