FDP's Djir-Sarai Issues a Warning - No Softening of Debt Brake or Citizen's Income Increase!
Bijan Djir-Sarai of the FDP, in an interview, welcomes the Federal Constitutional Court's debt brake ruling, calling it an opportunity and a huge gift for Germany. The FDP is determined to adhere to this rule and will not shy away from cutting costs when necessary.
"Coalition's Main Task is to Implement the Court's Decision"
Djir-Sarai states that the main concern should be to implement the court's rulings without finding loopholes, and there will be no softening of the debt brake while the FDP remains in the coalition. He also advocates for austerity measures and budget consolidation by re-evaluating expenditures.
Debate on Promised Chip Manufacturer Subsidies
Djir-Sarai maintains that Germany's high-tax environment must be addressed, and subsidies may not be the best solution to strengthen the country's competitiveness. Instead, he suggests introducing tangible relief for individuals and companies, including a review of the Supply Chain Act.
Stop the Citizen's Income Increase!
Addressing the planned January 1 increase of the citizen's income, Djir-Sarai believes the cost is becoming too high and the inflation situation no longer justifies it. He criticizes Social Affairs Minister Heil's decision and suggests reassessing this aspect of social spending.
FDP's Stance on Basic Child Benefit
Djir-Sarai confirms that the FDP supports combating child poverty but maintains that higher transfer payments aren't the most effective method. They suggest focusing on reforms such as better schools, daycare centers, and job opportunities for parents, and reassessing the basic child protection scheme.
Climate-Damaging Subsidies Debate
Djir-Sarai expresses skepticism towards the labeling of certain subsidies as 'climate-damaging'. He suggests that these labels can lead to simplistic solutions and that more nuanced approaches are required.
Coalition Agreement Adaptation Required
According to Djir-Sarai, the coalition agreement is in need of adaptation to accommodate the new realities and reprioritize the measures it contains. He also stresses the importance of taking adequate time to consider crucial decisions without hurrying.
Debt Brake and Emergency Situations
The FDP rejects the idea of suspending the debt brake in 2024 to incur new debt during an emergency, citing the Federal Constitutional Court's clear guidelines on defining a crisis situation.
Addressing the Energy Crisis and War in Europe
Djir-Sarai acknowledges the ongoing war in Europe and energy crisis, but emphasizes that governments can't continually declare emergencies when faced with challenges. He is pleased that the Federal Constitutional Court has set clear guidelines on this matter.
FDP's Poll Ratings and Early Elections
Djir-Sarai asserts that poll ratings aren't equivalent to election results and that people will appreciate the FDP's efforts to make the state more efficient. He rejects the idea of early elections, emphasizing the importance of political stability.
Membership Survey on FDP's Exit from the Coalition
The FDP will initiate a membership survey as soon as the required signatures are collected.
Controversy over FDP Vice-Chair's Luxury Cruise
FDP party leader Christian Lindner defends Wolfgang Kubicki, despite his participation in a luxury cruise during the budget crisis.
Sources:
- Djir-Sarai advocates for fiscal discipline and austerity measures in the current German coalition government.
- The FDP is skeptical about increasing the minimum wage to 15 euros per hour, and they propose reviewing welfare benefits for asylum seekers.
- The FDP supports decreasing income taxes, corporate taxes, and value-added taxes (VAT) on food and beverages to 7 percent. They also advocate for pension reforms, including a new basic income system and altering maternity pensions.
