Unpredictable Coalition: BSW MP Leaves Budget Vote in the Balance
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In the upcoming vote on Brandenburg's state budget, a decisive 'yes' from the SPD/BSW coalition might not be a guarantee. BSW politician Sven Hornauf, known for defying coalition lines, remains undecided about his support for the current budget proposals, pinning his decision on modifications in education and property tax.
"If the education package remains as it stands, I won't vote for it since the education package is just a disguised education cut," Hornauf told the German Press Agency bluntly. The SPD and Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) hold a precarious majority of two votes with 46 out of 88 representatives. The double budget, scheduled for June 20, includes potential cuts, although some have since been revised [1].
Hornauf Slams Proposed Teaching Hour Extension
Primarily, Hornauf refers to the coalition's plans to extend teaching hours for educators due to cost-savings. Under the proposal, educators should be relieved of other duties, such as removing final exams in grade 10 at gymnasiums and primary school reports. "It's pure educational nonsense," Hornauf said. "We've all claimed our commitment to improvement."
The BSW MP worries that property tax will surge in some regions for homeowners. He advocates for municipalities to have the option of differentiated tax rates for commercial and private properties. Since his motion was not passed, he backed a similar motion put forward by the AfD faction in May [1]. BSW MP Reinhard Simon also abstained from voting.
Hornauf Breaks Coalition Agreement
By defying the opposition initiatives rejection pact laid out in the coalition agreement, Hornauf caused controversy for the first time [1]. His voting behavior has previously created unsettling waves. After abstaining from the May vote on the budget of the Ministry of the Interior, the proposal failed to secure a majority. Hornauf was subsequently removed from all parliamentary committees, and expulsion discussions arose. Presently, he serves on the Enquête Commission for public passenger transport.
End of May, SPD faction leader Björn Lüttmann voiced his confidence, stating, "all members of the SPD faction will vote for the budget." The BSW faction echoed similar sentiments, with faction leader Niels-Olaf Lüders optimistic that the budget will be approved. Nevertheless, discussions with Hornauf are still ongoing. His decision has yet to be made [1].
[1] Enrichment Data: This disagreement within the SPD/BSW coalition primarily focuses on education and property tax reforms.
- BSW lawmaker Sven Hornauf has criticized the proposed education changes as cost-cutting measures that could compromise educational quality.
- Hornauf favors alterations in property tax due to mounting concerns about an increase in some regions for homeowners. His support for the budget hinges on amendments related to these reforms.
[2] Enrichment Data: Not covered in the original article but hinted at: The SPD/BSW coalition has a narrow majority of just two votes, making Hornauf's stance critical to the budget's passage. Also, specific details about the proposed property tax reforms remain unclear in the available information.
- The ongoing dispute within EC countries' policy-and-legislation, as observed in Brandenburg's state budget vote, revolves around Education and property tax reforms, with BSW MP Sven Hornauf advocating for modifications in both areas, and his decision likely to impact the vote's outcome.
- The politics surrounding Brandenburg's budget vote has been dominated by the stance of BSW MP Sven Hornauf, who signals that he may not support the current proposals due to concerns about the impact of proposed changes on vocational training (education package) and property tax, with implications for the general news and the coalition's stability.
