Deceitful claims by the administration revealed.
Hannover — Lower Saxony's New Minister President, Olaf Lies, Advocates Swift Action on Multi-billion-euro Special Funds
As Germany prepares for its first federal-state summit with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Lower Saxony's political leader is advocating for prompt implementation of multi-billion-euro special funds. The Social Democrat politician, Olaf Lies, told the German Press Agency that the goal is to rapidly make the measures visible.
"The public wants tangible results, not lengthy promises for the distant future," Lies stated. "They expect us to deliver improvements in the near term, such as 2026 or 2027."
In Lower Saxony, Lies plans to mount an investment offensive using debt-financed special funds. He announced intentions to invest in areas where there is a tangible need for improvement on the ground, ranging from municipalities (in domains like schools and sports) to the state itself (road construction and climate adaptation measures, such as flood prevention).
Lies highlighted the importance of prioritizing measures that can be expedited. "Money doesn't build bridges or roads. It's essential to discuss with the federal government how soon we can implement the 100 billion euros allocated to states and municipalities," he said.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, Lies emphasized the need to lower electricity prices. He reiterated that this reduction must occur swiftly when he addresses Chancellor Merz next week. Discussions during the meeting will also cover streamlining complex procedural regulations.
Lies assumed his position in mid-May following Stephan Weil. Until autumn, he will share the co-chairmanship of the Minister Presidents' Conference for Lower Saxony. In his view, this brief window offers an opportunity to demonstrate successful progress for the country's future.
Background Information
Germany is considering setting up special funds for infrastructure and defense, with potential worth in the hundreds of billing-euros. These funds are part of exploratory talks to form a new federal government, involving parties like the CDU/CSU and SPD, with the aim of addressing both defense needs and infrastructure improvements. The specifics of how these funds will be allocated and implemented are still under discussion.
"Olaf Lies, the new Minister President of Lower Saxony, has emphasized the need for swift action in allocating and implementing the multi-billion-euro special funds, stating that the public desires tangible results rather than empty promises. Furthermore, he plans to prioritize areas requiring immediate improvement, such as infrastructure, schools, sports, road construction, and climate adaptation measures, in his investment offensive."
"In the forthcoming discussions with Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the federal-state summit, Lies intends to advocate for expediting the implementation of the 100 billion euros allocated to states and municipalities, as he also pushes for lower electricity prices and simplifying complex procedural regulations as part of the food-for-thought policy-and-legislation discussions."
