Titled: Kretschmer Urges Scholz to Show Leadership in Budget Crisis as Union Sees Savings Opportunities in Migration Policy
As Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) prepares to address the government's budget crisis, Saxony's Minister President, Michael Kretschmer (CDU), called for his leadership. Kretschmer argued that Scholz, as the elected chancellor, should lead, rather than just drift along. According to Kretschmer, this is crucial to prevent a national crisis and ensure cooperation at all levels.
Scholz is set to discuss the budget crisis in Germany's Bundestag on Tuesday, in the wake of the Federal Constitutional Court's ruling that invalidated the reallocation of 60 billion euros in the 2021 budget. Initially approved as a coronavirus loan, the money was later intended for climate protection and modernizing the economy. Now, due to the court's decision, this funding is no longer available, and the state cannot set aside emergency loans for later years.
However, to address the budget crisis, Scholz is advocating for a relaxation of Germany's debt brake, enshrined in Article 115 of the Basic Law. Despite facing resistance, particularly from the CDU/CSU, who prefer to focus on reducing social spending and bureaucracy, Scholz argues that Germany can afford higher levels of debt, given that other strong economies boast national debts substantially higher than Germany's current 60% of GDP.
In the light of potential savings, Kretschmer, the Saxony's Minister President, believes that the Union could find opportunities by reconsidering migration policy. Spending approximately 50 billion euros on refugees is under scrutiny. Kretschmer has proposed several measures to address this issue, including the "Immigration Limitation Act," featuring:
- Reintroducing the term "limitation of immigration" in the Residence Act.
- Halting family reunification for refugees with temporary residence status.
- Empowering the federal police to implement more efficient deportations.
Kretschmer sees potential in emulating Denmark's migration policy, as Germany could adopt similar measures to alleviate pressure on schools, hospitals, and the housing market.
Debt Brake Relaxation
Amidst the budget crisis, Scholz is advocating for a softening of Germany's debt brake, which is codified in Article 115 of the Basic Law. He contends that Germany can afford elevated levels of debt, considering the higher national debts of other robust economies.
Immigration Limitation Act Proposal
Proposed by Saxony's Minister President, Michael Kretschmer, the "Immigration Limitation Act" includes reintroducing the phrase "limitation of immigration" in the Residence Act, halting family reunification for refugees with temporary residence, and enhancing the power of the federal police to execute deportations more efficiently. Additionally, Kretschmer seeks inspiration from Denmark's migration policy, suggesting that Germany could adopt similar measures to decrease immigration pressure on various sectors.
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In order to approach budget deficit, Chancellor Olaf Scholz advocates for a flexible interpretation of Germany's debt brake, which is regulated by Article 115 of the Basic Law. Scholz justifies his stance, citing that several robust economies hold national debts significantly beyond Germany's current 60% of GDP.
However, Scholz's attempts to reform the debt brake encounter opposition, mainly from the CDU/CSU. These parties prefer focus on trimming social expenditures and bureaucracy to counter the budget deficit. In the migration policy arena, Kretschmer subsidizes potential savings suggestions, including resurrecting the term "limitation of immigration" in the Residence Act, restraining family reunification for refugees holding temporary residence approvals, and amplifying the federal police's authority to efficiently execute deportations.
Recognizing Denmark's migration policy as a possible role model, Kretschmer advises that Germany could apply similar measures to diminish immigration influence and alleviate strain on schools, hospitals, and the housing market.
