In a candid discussion, SPD state parliamentary group leader Thomas Losse-Müller acknowledged the financial hurdles Schleswig-Holstein is currently facing, attributing them to the Federal Constitutional Court's budget ruling. Losse-Müller pointed out that these challenges call for a decade of investment. This significant investment is crucial for tackling climate change consequences and renovating schools desperately in need of an upgrade.
Recently, the Federal Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe halted the reallocation of coronavirus loans for climate protection and industrial modernization. In light of this, finance politician Beate Raudies believes that investments in projects such as dyke construction, which thwart potential natural disasters, are still valid.
The SPD, led by Losse-Müller in Schleswig-Holstein's parliament, is pushing for a billion-euro transformation program focusing on combating climate change and modernizing schools. Raudies and Losse-Müller, mindful of the fiscal chasm of 494 million euros in the Black-Greens' 2024 budget plans, express concerns about potential cuts in the social sector. They emphasize the urgency for the state government to propose solutions to address this shortfall swiftly.
Schleswig-Holstein, like many other regions, faces severe financial constraints. A substantial budgetary and political crisis has emerged following the Constitutional Court's ruling against reallocating pandemic relief funds to the Climate and Transformation Fund.
Persistent challenges include a projected 1 billion euros budget deficit by 2025 and the reliance on special funds, which have occasionally caused controversies and legal challenges. In their quest to combat climate change, the SPD and Greens envision substantial investments of €40–50 billion annually in technology, infrastructure, and decarbonization support for energy-intensive industries.
The SPD advocates for an investment bonus for businesses and increased spending on research and development to reform the debt brake and accommodate investments in education, research, and development. Additionally, personalized education models, with an emphasis on experiential learning and hands-on education, are proposed to modernize schools.
Losse-Müller and Raudies maintain that projects like dyke construction are still feasible, as they prevent potential natural disasters. Despite these financial adversities, the SPD and Greens are resolute in their determination to invest in climate action and education reforms.
