Revamped Debate on Saxon State Budget 2025/2026
Commission Tasked to Propose Worker Safety Directive Over Electronic Network Risks
25th June 2025, 16:04
Two pressing topics ignite the Wednesday debate on Saxony's state budget for 2025/2026: the future of the economy and society, and the cautious management of new debt. Supporters of left-wing activist Maja T., imprisoned in Hungary, rattle the session with a disruption.
Saxon Musings
Saxony's Minister-President, Michael Kretschmer, paints a challenging picture for the Free State. Knee-deep in the two-day final deliberations on the new double budget, he admits that Germany is in its third year of recession, and deficits loom as revenues fall short for the first time in 35 years.
Kretschmer: Prune and Preserve
"We must be choosy to save what we can," says Kretschmer. The state must shed responsibilities. That means fewer positions and staff. The budget already faces a two billion euro shortfall, and now more than ever, priorities need to come clearly into focus. As for debt, we'll wrestle with the dilemma of whether to employ a new instrument of the amended Basic Law in the next double budget 2027/2028. This rule allows the federal government and the states to take on 0.35 percent of gross domestic product as debt in the future.
Frown Upon and Flee
The opposition voices its disapproval of the draft for the double budget in sharp tones. BSW faction leader Sabine Zimmermann declares, "This isn't a new beginning, but a continuation. The Greens and the Left are part of the problem too." The policy lacks empathy for workers, pensioners, parents, municipalities, and hospitals in Saxony, says Zimmermann, fueling the rise of the AfD.
The AfD faction leader, Jörg Urban, brands the budget as one of stagnation. Urban criticizes the CDU and SPD duo for coddling each other, which has paved the way for leftist parties. In a bid for a balanced budget, the AfD suggests saving in areas such as personnel, asylum, climate projects, and left-wing associations, freeing up funds for more pressing needs. Looking at the state government, Urban warns, "We'll hunt them, and that's not a threat—it's a promise."
SPD Delights in New Political Atmosphere
CDU faction leader Christian Hartmann cautions the AfD, "If you go hunting, beware the bear may bite back." The current budget offers flexibility to prepare necessary reforms, advocates Hartmann. The SPD, on the other hand, sees the new double budget as a beacon for stability, cohesion, and prospects for the Free State. "The agreement demonstrates the coalition's ability to act and parliamentary democracy's strength," says faction leader Henning Homann. The decision across party lines also hints at the emergence of a new political culture.
Greens: No Deal, but a Sign of Democracy's Maturity
The Greens and the Left are content that their concerns have been addressed, to some extent, in the new double budget. They claim that planned cuts in areas like social affairs, daycare, culture, and nature conservation have been reverted. "This agreement is not a grand bargain. It represents democratic maturity," says Green faction leader Franziska Schubert. The opposition must often ask itself when it wants to stir discord and when it wants to foster understanding.
Schaper, the Left party's faction leader, concurs. "As the Left, we will vigorously oppose austerity policies," she declares. The Left calls for greater investments in the welfare state, education, infrastructure, and future industries. To that end, wealthier individuals and large corporations must shouldered a fair share of the burden.
Matthias Berger Condemns Budget Adoption
Matthias Berger, a non-partisan member of parliament, criticizes the budget's approval. "This de facto government of red-red-green-black will shape the rest of the legislative period and thwart any necessary reform for our country," he laments.
Ruckus in Parliament
During Kretschmer's speech, about ten supporters of Maja T., a left-wing activist in Hungary, rally to disrupt the parliamentary session. They scream, "Free Maja," disrupt the meeting, and chuck leaflets from the gallery. They demand the release of Maja T., a suspected extremist accused of various crimes. The rowdy ruckus is promptly silenced by security, and the protesters are ejected from the building. Parliament President, Alexander Dierks, denounces the behavior as a violation of parliamentary decorum and the culture of democratic discussion.
Bits and Pieces
- 11th June 2025Welfare associations fear: Without a budget, 10,000 jobs and offers are at risk
- 3rd June 2025No budget - no contract: What's next for school assistants in Saxony?
- 26th March 2025Harsh criticism of budget draft in Saxony
- 2nd January 2025Culture year 2025 in Saxony: Financial worries cloud the culture capital celebrations
- 11th December 2024Saxony: Free State to fund fewer cultural projects in 2025
[1] Source: reformonline.de[2] Source: tagesspiegel.de[3] Source: zentrale-redentionsstelle.de[4] Source: chemnitzer-nachrichten.de
- In the context of the Saxon Musings, Minister-President Michael Kretschmer discusses the state's policy-and-legislation, addressing issues such as budget cuts, personnel savings, and debt management, which are all part of the politics landscape.
- The Sunday edition of the general-news section might feature an analysis on the opposition's criticism of the Saxon state budget, delving into the political Street-fights, agreements, and compromises made during the budget approval process.
