"Unraveling the Budget Mess: A Chat with Mathias Middelberg"
For the second time, the final budget meeting has been postponed, much to the frustration of CDU budget politician Mathias Middelberg. In an exclusive interview with ntv.de, he discusses why it had to happen, the implications for the debt brake, and what options remain for the coalition government.
ntv.de (pretending to be a soccer commentator): So, if this were all a soccer match, we'd be in the 90th minute, but now, it's extra time.
Matthias Middelberg: Exactly. We've reached the critical phase, but we're not quite there yet.
The budget for 2024 was supposed to be finalized this Thursday. What changed now?
MM: The Constitutional Court's ruling and the need to reassess the 2023 budget have caused a roadblock. We want to adhere to the debt brake, and any changes may impact its constitutionality.
What about the Economic Stabilization Fund (WSF)?
It was frozen due to uncertainty around its future usage. The government can't afford to take any chances, and we understand why.
So, what's next? Will Ampel declare an emergency and suspend the debt brake?
MM: That's an option, but it won't completely solve the problem. Moreover, the story of the "iron Christian," who strictly adheres to the debt brake while accumulating debt through shadow budgets, will finally be revealed as a fairy tale if this happens.
The Constitutional Court's ruling was focused on external funds, like the Climate and Transformation Fund and possibly the WSF...
That's not entirely true. The government is using this argument to shift blame. We did not take legal action against the climate fund or climate protection. Instead, they cherry-picked instances to reallocate funds and mask fiscal irresponsibility.
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Finance Minister Christian Lindner claimed that the ruling only affected the economic plan of the Climate and Transformation Fund, not the federal budget.
MM: Their statement is misguided. Loan bookings and other practices are the real issues. Changing these is essential to avoiding further fiscal crises.
What about the CDU/CSU's position on the WSF?
Initially, we did not plan to take legal action against it. However, given the Climate and Transformation Fund ruling, it has likely lost its constitutionality.
Is the CDU/CSU open to alternative solutions, like a separate fund for climate protection and industrial projects?
As an opposition, we always consider constructive solutions. But first, the Ampel coalition needs to address its fundamental budgeting issues. They cannot maintain the current system of creating new debt pots for each challenge while claiming compliance with the debt brake.
In essence, the postponement of the budget meeting stems from the government's use of special funds without addressing the underlying fiscal challenges. The CDU/CSU and many Germans hope that the next budget will focus on plain-speaking, honest budgeting.
