The traffic light coalition's 2024 budget agreement received a scathing critique from the CDU/CSU, with Mathias Middelberg, the CDU/CSU's deputy leader, calling it "rotten." The CDU/CSU leaders believed the savings were meager, and there was a significant tax hike threatening both citizens and businesses.
Middelberg pointed out that the budget-balancing strategy mainly relied on a substantial CO2 price increase, which would only exacerbate citizens' and businesses' financial troubles due to higher energy costs. Furthermore, he argued that there seemed to be a lack of serious intent to help citizens' allowance recipients find employment, which could potentially save costs.
Thorsten Frei from the CDU/CSU parliamentary group was also skeptical about the traffic light coalition's proposal to ease the debt brake in response to the Ahr Valley flood disaster. Frei stressed that the current situation did not comply with the constitutional requirements of a new natural disaster or an unforeseeable event affecting state finances. Despite the CDU/CSU's shared support for disaster relief, Frei was against suspending the debt brake or utilizing technical constructs that ignored the Basic Law's fundamental principles.
In conclusion, the CDU/CSU expressed their discontent with the traffic light coalition's budget plan and debt brake exceptions, primarily highlighting concerns about fiscal discipline, economic stability, and intergenerational fairness. While the traffic light coalition finalized their agreement, the CDU/CSU persisted in voicing their criticisms, driving a wedge between the two political parties.
