Rockin' Regulations in Saxony-Anhalt: A Balance Between Energy, Wolves, and Mortal Memories
Coalition Negotiations Yielded Agreements on Energy Policies, Funeral Procedures, and Entertainment - Coalition negotiations focus on power sources, gray wolves, and funeral practices, finding acceptable solutions.
Saxony-Anhalt's black-red-yellow coalition has struck a deal on some hot-button issues, according to CDU state leader Sven Schulze. The state government is hard at work presenting citizens with a roadmap to progress, he said. And Energy and Environment Minister Armin Willingmann (SPD) emphasized that this package demonstrates the coalition's commitment to making a visible difference before the state elections next year.
Here's a sneak peek at what's on the cards:
Faster Contract Awarding
The modernization of the award and tariff compliance law is underway, aiming to simplify the process for municipalities as they award construction contracts or service agreements. Economics Minister Schulze explained that the law's threshold values will rise significantly, mirroring EU levels. For instance, the threshold for construction services will climb to 5.5 million euros.
Social Democrats felt the sting of this law's revision, having reached a compromise at the start of the legislative period after grueling negotiations. But Hüsken, the FDP's chairwoman, highlighted that the updated law is all about stirring up the economy, with the federal special fund quickly directing investments to various projects.
Municipal Investments in Renewables
Energy Minister Willingmann revealed that municipalities would be financially compensated in the future for the yields produced by new and expanded wind and solar installations. "0.3 cents per kilowatt-hour" are the target figures. Among the many issues the law has been grappling with at the state parliament level, the citizens and municipalities have been eagerly awaiting its approval.
The Debate Over Wolves
In a proactive move to prepare for potential changes in the protection status of wolves, the wolf will be incorporated into the hunting law in Saxony-Anhalt, explained Agriculture Minister Schulze. For now, little is expected to change regarding the animals' year-round protection. According to Environment Minister Willingmann, the legislation is meant to create a population management system at the appropriate time. FDP state chairwoman Hüsken acknowledges public opinion in Saxony-Anhalt and points out that concerns and needs must be considered.
Speedy Legislative Projects
Two legislative projects are on the cusp of being expedited, with the oldest council of the state parliament deciding on the forthcoming agenda as early as Thursday. These include a law that would render podologist training tuition-free. And the dental care landscape in Saxony-Anhalt may see an improvement, with plans for a country dentist quota to accompany the existing nationwide doctor and health officer quota. Students committing to practice in the region post-graduation are also an essential aspect of this initiative. Lastly, the number of dental medicine study places at Halle will rise from the current 40 to an anticipated 50 per year.
Memorable Mementos and Novel Mourning Rites
On the heels of cremation reforms already in place in other federal states, Willingmann announced that small quantities of ashes could soon be used for keepsakes in Saxony-Anhalt. This will cater to various cultural practices and religious traditions while ensuring environmentally-friendly and innovative ways of remembrance. Hüskens added that this change matches the current era's sensibilities and innovations in remembrance and mourning practices.
- The coalition in Saxony-Anhalt has agreed to raise the threshold values for construction services under the modernized award and tariff compliance law, mirroring EU levels at 5.5 million euros.
- Energy Minister Armin Willingmann (SPD) has revealed that municipalities would be financially compensated for the yields produced by new and expanded wind and solar installations, targeting 0.3 cents per kilowatt-hour.
- In preparation for potential changes in the protection status of wolves, the wolf will be incorporated into the hunting law in Saxony-Anhalt, with a population management system being established at the appropriate time.
- Currently, two legislative projects are being expedited in Saxony-Anhalt, including one that would make podologist training tuition-free and another aimed at improving dental care by introducing a country dentist quota and increasing the number of dental medicine study places at Halle. Additionally, proposals are underway to allow small quantities of ashes to be used for keepsakes, catering to various cultural practices and religious traditions.
